CHATHAM-KENT OWNS BOARDWALK ON NEW MONOPOLY GAME

Chatham-Kent can now officially go on record as " the little municipality that could" A packed city Council chamber erupted June 22/10 as news came via webcast that Chatham-Kent had won the new Boardwalk, the most prestigious spot on Monopoly Canada Edition game. The new version of the popular game was released on June 28/10 in both English and French just in time for Canada day. It retails for $39.95.

This is just another example of the loyal community that exists in Chatham-Kent. Real Estate is affordable and it is a great place to raise a family, retire or maybe downsize from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Great Schools, Churches and friendly neighbourhoods are a signature of Chatham-Kent .People in Chatham are welcoming and friendly.

 Recently two developers Victor Boutin of Everlastgroup.com out of Brampton and Chatham business Entrepeneur, Dan Warrener  have purchased properties in and around the downtown core with future development in their plans.Boutin believes that Chatham is destined for great things in the future and wants to be a part of that.  His proposed 50 million dollar Hotel/Condo Development , Boardwalk,on King St. and his plans for a high rise apartment building on the former YMCA property on the Thames River close to Downtown are evidence of his belief. Both properties will appeal to people of all ages particularly those who appreciate convenience.This  is a giant step in the move toward downtown revitalization.

 Warrener is in the process of renovating the former Bank of Nova Scotia building on the corner of Kings St. and Fifth. The bottom 2 floors are commercial space and the third floor is a luxury Condo.He also owns the former Armory Building in Tecumseh Park which  houses several offices as well as serving as an Event and Banquet hall with it's own Catering Service.

Local residents have long appreciated the benefits of the community. It's close proximity to Lake Erie, and Lake St. Clair with the Thames River running through the centre of town makes it a perfect choice for boaters, fishermen  and days at the beach with the family in the summer. The mild Southwestern climate is a golfers paradise with 9 golf courses in the area. Chatham-Kent also has a large farming community. Fresh fruits and vegetables abound in season at the many roadside stands. Hunters come from far and wide during Duck Hunting Season. Ice fishermen and snowmobilers can be seen in droves on Mitchells Bay, 15 minutes from Chatham when the bay freezes in the winter.

 " It is all here all year"

 NEW CHATHAM YMCA

 The long wait is over as construction for the new multi-million dollar Chatham-Kent YMCA began in April and is slated to be completed by June 2011. The new facility will replace the 50 year plus facility on King St. in downtown Chatham. The new facility will be 44,000 sq. feet and will feature 2 pools- a lane pool and a leisure pool- gymnasium, change rooms, mutil-purpose/meet room, fitness centre, cardio centre and aerobics studio. The building will feature 5 change rooms with an on- deck sauna and steam room, walking track and even a child minding centre. Kim Bentley-MacDonald general manager of the current YMCA and the new facility said the new YMCA is generating a great deal of interest in the Chatham-Kent community.The mandate of the new YMCA is to serve its membership but the facility will be availabe for rental as well.

 Update  April 29/11: The new Chatham-Kent Family YMCA formally opens its door to the public on July 11/11 Members of Chatham City Council were told that part of the mandate of the new facility is that no one will be turned away that cannot afford the membership financially. Membership is expected to rise from the present 2100 to 5000. There will be a small increase from the present membership fee and anyone who joins before June 30 will become a charter member of the new YMCA. 

Update July 25/2011 The new YMCa is open for business and is holding an Open house the week of Monday July 25- July 31 with tours of the facitilty.The long anticipated opening is the culmination of 5 years of planning by Volunteeers and Staff. 

New Healthplex at Thames Campus of St. Clair College

This premium Gym,said to be a showcase facility, will be a welcome addition to Chatham, making it possible for our community to host more high school tournaments and sports events as well as some varsity college games. The facility has even been wired to make it possible to broadcast the events over TV and Webcasts.The mandate of the Heathplex is to serve the students of Thames Campus first and foremost but the facility is open to rentals from outside the community.It is also sure to be a popular destination for local elite programs in Volleyball as Basketball. 

Update Sept 1/2011 The Grand Opening was held for the $11.5 Million Healthplex on the grounds of the St. Clair College Campus  here in Chatham. The new facility is expected to attract students not only from Kent County but from around the world.The federal government contributed $7.8 billion while the muicipality contribued $1.2 million. Mayor Randy Hope said he was proud of the involvement of the Municipality and believes the new facililty is just another way to prepare students for the competitive Global market facing graduates today. In conjunction with new residences and a new trade and technical centre, College President Dr. John Strass said Thames Campus is right on schedule with its vision of the future of the college.

New Chatham-Kent Municipal Website Designed to Attract Newcomers

The Municipality in partnership with the Cultural Coalition of Chatham-Kent have unveiled Chatham-Kent's 'Welcome Newcomers Site. It can be located at www.chatham-kent.ca/newcomers and provides access to community and settlement information. It has 120 pages of Local and Educational resources, Housing and employment info as well as health and financial support.

This is another example of Chatham-Kent's pride in their community and their Committment and generosity toward  newcomers.Visit or relocate. It is all here all year!  

 These Happening in Chatham-Kent are yet more examples of why people are relocating to this wonderful little community. The Lifestyle is Affordable but no need to sacrifice Family Activities, Interests or Arts and Entertainment. Great location to raise a family, start a Business, Retire, Downsize to or Visit.