The approximately $39.3 million contract was awarded to Fortis Construction Group Inc. of Tecumseh, coming in $3.6 million under the estimated construction cost.

With this approval, the project will move forward into the construction phase. Work is expected to begin in December, with completion anticipated in early 2028.

The hub will bring together a new civic centre, library and museum at the former Sears location in the Downtown Chatham Centre.

Overall, the project budget is $52.8 million, including about $7 million in contingency funds.

Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew called it an investment in the community, as well as its people.

“Sometimes it’s fearful to make those decisions, to make your vision a reality,” she said. “If we keep putting it off, it’s going to cost more in the long run.

“This is not a Chatham project, this is definitely a Chatham-Kent project.”

Council approved the tender 14-4. Opposed were councillors Michael Bondy, Rhonda Jubenville, Alysson Storey and John Wright.

Before the overall vote, Storey entered an unsuccessful motion, which fell 4-14, to postpone the matter, saying she wanted further financial information for ongoing lifecycle and operating costs.

“I still don’t think we have that full picture,” she said.

However, West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson slammed the “filibustering” of the issue, given the number of motions related to the hub throughout the approval process.

“I also think that it’s allowed those that are opposed to nitpick and snip apart certain things, that would deter people from being in favour of a project like this,” she said. “I think that that’s been detrimental in the public outlook on this project.”

Calling the filibustering comment “a bit of a cheap shot,” Storey said she “would call that doing due diligence for the taxpayer.”

West Kent Coun. Melissa Harrigan said staff already completed the financial work, adding the report is “reassuring to me.”

South Kent Coun. Anthony Ceccacci reminded how previous councils faced public pressure not to spend money on civic centre renovations, leading to this point.

“I’m putting my hand up to say I’m one of those individuals that buckled under the pressure of the community saying we’re struggling with financial challenges, we’re struggling with homelessness, we’re struggling with uncertainty,” he said.

“It wasn’t smart for us to do that. We should’ve fixed it.”

South Kent Coun. Trevor Thompson admitted he also voted no to previous renovation recommendations.

He called out the politics around the horseshoe, as well as lobbying efforts within the community, related to the hub.

“The ship has sailed. And I don’t want to play these games anymore,” he said.

Staff reiterated the construction will move forward without any new property tax increases, with the project funded through a combination of property sales, existing reserves, and long-term financing within the municipality budget.

There is also the possibility of donations and naming rights, however, these were not included in the current funding model.

Staff have maintained the hub will not result in the closure of any rural libraries or municipal service centres.

In a media release issued after the vote, Mayor Darrin Canniff said this decision represented a significant step for the community.

“This is an exciting moment for Chatham-Kent. The community hub will be a cornerstone for civic life. It will be a place that connects our residents to services, culture, learning, and community,” he said.

“The fact that this project is moving ahead, and already under budget, is a testament to the strong planning and fiscal responsibility behind it. This is an investment in the future of Chatham-Kent and it will serve generations to come.”

Further project updates will be shared at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/community-hub