One of Chatham-Kent’s most prominent corporate citizens was recognized Friday for making a decade-long financial commitment to better the community.
One of Chatham-Kent’s most prominent corporate citizens was recognized Friday for making a decade-long financial commitment to better the community.
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TekSavvy Solutions pledged $100,000 a year for 10 years in 2022 for naming rights to the Third and Fifth Street bridges in downtown Chatham.
A ceremony was held to acknowledge the financial contribution, which will fund community arts, culture and recreation projects.
Calling TekSavvy an “absolutely amazing corporation,” Mayor Darrin Canniff said the partnership with the Chatham-based national internet provider “sets a tone for what’s going to happen in our community moving forward.”
The $1 million will “enhance our community,” he said, adding, “It’s meant to do things we normally couldn’t do in a budget.”
$40,000 in TekSavvy funds were set aside for three years in the municipal budget, beginning last year, for public art projects, the mayor said.
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That’s “extremely important,” because without such funds, it would be difficult for the municipality to fund arts and culture projects, he said.
“This provides us with an opportunity to do those things not with taxpayers’ dollars,” Canniff said.
“These bridges are more than mere structures spanning waterways, they are symbols of connectivity and opportunity.” said Pierre Aube, TekSavvy’s chief operations officer.
They “signify our collective commitment to enhancing mobility, fostering economic growth and strengthening the bonds that unite us as a community.”
The company’s mission goes beyond providing reliable internet and telecommunications, Aube said.
“It extends to supporting the communities we live in and work in,” he said. “We are deeply committed to investing in initiatives that create positive impacts and contribute to the well-being of our neighbours.”
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But the bridges won’t change, he said. A naming process held last year determined residents wanted the names to remain.
“We decided to go with Third and Fifth Street Bridges ‘powered by TekSavvy,’ ” he said.
Plaques will be installed on the bridges to recognize TekSavvy’s contribution to the community.
As for other funding opportunities through naming rights in Chatham-Kent, “virtually everything” in the municipality can be sponsored, Canniff said.
He said with TekSavvy’s lead, more sponsorships are expected.
Municipal officials have been talking to other companies, “so stay tuned,” Canniff said.
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