To facilitate ongoing work in downtown Wheatley, Chatham-Kent council has approved spending $3.5 million to buy properties in the 2021 gas blast evacuation zone.
To facilitate ongoing work in downtown Wheatley, Chatham-Kent council has approved spending $3.5 million to buy properties in the 2021 gas blast evacuation zone.
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The sites were deemed unsuitable for redevelopment based on engineering reports from TL Watson & Associates and WSP Canada Inc., according to a staff report presented at Monday’s meeting.
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The approved purchases were:
- 15 Erie St. N. from Triwabi Enterprises Inc. for $94,000
- 19-23 Erie St. N. from Maurice Raffoul for $120,000
- 27 Erie St. N. from Branch 324 Royal Canadian Legion for $1.24 million
- 29-33 Erie St. N. from Veronica Ann Balkisson for $1.27 million
- 37 Erie St. N. from 1486047 Ontario Ltd. for $795,000.
The $3.5-million total purchase cost is funded by a $3-million provincial grant, with the remainder coming from a strategic reserve.
Council also heard Ontario’s Natural Resources Ministry has given the municipality $280,000 to enhance emergency preparedness and prevent petroleum-related emergencies.
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With this funding, Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue is buying multi-gas monitors to be distributed free to Wheatley residents and businesses. Units will be handed out door-to-door in the former evacuation zone and available for pickup at the Wheatley resource center; details will follow.
“They’ve ordered 500 to start, but there’s enough money to order another 500,” public works director Ryan Brown, told council. “They’re hoping to be received later this month.”
West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson welcomed the news, saying it “will definitely give some peace of mind to the residents of Wheatley.”
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Council also approved exploring a bylaw to regulate future deep excavations within Wheatley’s urban boundary.
This bylaw, based on expert analysis, aims to promote safety while still allowing construction.
Public consultation will gather community and business feedback before a final draft is presented for council’s consideration.
Meantime, the municipality continues negotiating to buy remaining properties in the evacuation zone, staff said.
The property buys approved Monday “bring us one step closer to revitalization in Wheatley,” chief administrator Michael Duben said in a post-meeting release.
“Throughout this process, we have seen excellent improvements achieved through co-operation between Wheatley residents, municipal staff, and provincial agencies. When we look towards Wheatley’s future, the outlook is extremely positive.”
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