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As Wheatley moves toward revitalization, contractors will be in the downtown area Monday to move the process forward, a Chatham-Kent release said Friday.
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The issue in Wheatley began in June 2021, when gas was first identified at an Erie Street North site, prompting immediate evacuation of area homes and businesses.
The following month, three dozen core homes and businesses were evacuated after hydrogen sulphide was detected again.
To date, Ontario has provided $9.84 million in emergency funding for affected businesses, commercial landlords and non-profits. Of that, $7 million has been applied for and disbursed.
In August, the province announced $11 million to help the municipality with ongoing emergency management, investigation and community recovery expenses.
The municipality is hiring an economic development officer dedicated to Wheatley for a two-year contract, thanks to provincial funding.
The new staffer will oversee project management to the Wheatley Task Force and direct projects defined by the municipal-provincial deal.
Duties include identifying opportunities for economic growth, supporting business retention and expansion, and interacting with and addressing concerns of community business leaders.
More information about future plans for Wheatley can be found on the Imagine Wheatley page at letstalkchatham-kent.ca/imagine-wheatley.
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