Community consultations surrounding Wheatley's Revitalization Plan are about to get underway.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent said the Economic Development department will be hosting community consultations to discuss the much anticipated plan beginning with the first session on Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. The second session is planned for August 17, 2024.
The consultations are taking place at the Village Resource Centre at 108 Talbot Trail Road East in Wheatley.
"These consultations aim to gather insights, ideas, and aspirations from residents, business owners, and newcomers alike, in an effort to collaboratively shape the future of Wheatley," said Chatham-Kent Manager of Corporate Communications Eric Labadie in a statement on Tuesday. "Residents are encouraged to actively participate and share their perspectives on both aspirations and concerns. This engagement presents an opportunity for residents to contribute to the development of Wheatley’s future and inform community priorities in the Revitalization Plan."
Interested parties can RSVP by contacting Kyra Knapp, Economic Development Officer for Wheatley at kyra.knapp@chatham-kent.ca.
A gas explosion rocked downtown Wheatley in August of 2021, destroying several buildings and injuring 20 people.
The municipality has slowly been buying up dilapidated buildings affected by the blast within the evacuation zone.
Demolition of those buildings is set to start no later than June 3, 2024, according to the municipality.
The buildings are along Erie Street North and Talbot Road East and were deemed unsuitable for redevelopment. They remain fenced within the evacuation zone.
