Protesters will be rallying and cruising in downtown Chatham on Friday evening in opposition to the proposed CK community hub.
Demonstration organizer Christie Coatsworth said the public can't afford the facility with economic uncertainty on the way due to U.S. tariffs.
The new hub proposed to go into the former Sears building in downtown Chatham has been a source of contention and public grievance for more than three years, said Coatsworth.
"Whenever consulted, the public has overwhelmingly opposed these changes. We have been baffled when the majority of Council has voted otherwise," she said. "We are frugal people, prepared to fix what we have in the Civic Centre that we own."
Coatsworth noted those in opposition are frustrated because she claims their survey responses, consultation feedback, deputations to council, and letters to councillors have not been heard.
The municipality wants to move the Civic Centre, the museum, and the library into the site.
A costing report on the hub was released to the media on Wednesday suggesting the hub will cost much less than renovating the current Civic Centre, library, and museum.
Councillor Brock McGregor is in favour of the hub, saying it makes fiscal sense.
"Based on the analysis that's there from a financial and community perspective, it makes the most sense to address the updates for three community assets," said McGregor.
Calling it a sales job, Councillor Michael Bondy said he has an issue with the hub, claiming there is very little public support for the project and adding that the numbers don't make sense to him.
"That's where I have a bit of difficulty with this thing. There's no buy-in on the public's end at all. Like $108 [million] come on. That just makes the hub seem like a bargain at $53 [million] and that's $53 [million], I will question that because that number has been the same for two years," Bondy noted.
Councillor Alysson Storey has concerns with the process because the costing wasn't presented to Council before the report went to the media.
"None of this was discussed or reviewed with the library board. We weren't even told about this event on Wednesday and the CEO of the library was under the assumption, as we all were, that this was going to be coming to us on May 12," Storey said.
Councillor Brock McGregor disagrees with Storey, noting that council received the information package on Tuesday, the day before the media event and it was discussed at council on Monday, consistent with council's request to have the report released well in advance of the May 12 meeting.
Storey is upset, saying the municipality cannot afford this project right now with so many other priorities on the radar.
"To think that we have the type of resources to write a blank cheque from the taxpayers to pay for an unnecessary and unwanted move to the old Sears building, because let's not forget the public is overwhelmingly against this move," added Storey.
Coatsworth cited concerns about homelessness increasing in Chatham-Kent and wait lists for social housing are getting longer.
The protest cruise will wind its way from the Civic Centre down King Street beginning at 5 p.m. Friday with messages on the bumpers displaying "Put the Brakes on the Hub."
She said the vehicles won't disrupt other drivers downtown by driving slow and promised the cruise won't last long.
Council is set to vote on the project on May 12, 2025.