An old hotel, just north of Rondeau, that used to house Japanese men during WWII could soon be demolished.
The Eatonville Roadhouse on Talbot Trail has been denied Heritage designation and removed from the registry. Built in 1915, the structure served as a hotel until around 1942, when the Canadian Government used the site to hold Japanese citizens.
Some CK Councillors called the site an "eyesore," with Municipal Heritage Committee Chair John Taylor admitting the building is deteriorating.
"The building is definitely in a derelict state," says Taylor. "But as I've said to council there could be people out there with deep pockets who could save it."
Unless one of those deep-pocketed investors steps forward soon, it looks like the owners are going to demolish the structure. CK officials argue a plaque could potentially be erected at the site if the building is torn down.
"I'm sure the family who owned the property is open to that as well," adds Taylor. "So many people in Chatham-Kent drive by it and have no idea about the history behind it.
