A parcel of land has been donated to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and now ideas about what to do with it are being solicited.
The public is being asked to submit ideas for the land next to the Third Street Bridge in downtown Chatham.
The parcel of land was recently donated by the estate of Thomas Duncan Campbell. Mayor Darrin Canniff said the municipality has an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community and wants input from the public on how to use the land. Mr. Campbell was a Chatham Alderman as well as a former lawyer and real estate developer in Chatham-Kent.
"We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from the estate of Thomas Duncan Campbell, and we are committed to using this land in a way that benefits the community. Chatham-Kent wants to hear from the public on how best to use this land, so we encourage everyone to participate in the Let's Talk page to submit their ideas. This is a unique opportunity for us to work together and create something truly remarkable for our community,” said Mayor Canniff.
Canniff said this is the public's chance to step up and help shape the future of the community and he can't wait to hear the ideas "to build something great."
Ideas can be submitted through the Let's Talk Chatham-Kent page. Manager of Corporate Initiatives and Communications Amy Wilcox said administration will review the submissions and determine the best use for the land. The Let's Talk page will be open until June 15, 2023.
A report that went to council on May 8, 2023 noted there could be potential to develop this property for public purposes, including parking for the downtown core. It also stated the municipality owns a parcel along the Thames River abutting the parcel at 275 King Street West in downtown Chatham and it's in the municipality’s best interest to acquire the donated land to preserve Riverview Drive from future river erosion.