The Children’s Treatment Centre in Chatham could be redeveloped into a community safety centre if Chatham-Kent (CK) council approves the renovations.
Administration is proposing to turn the municipally-owned property at 355 Lark Street in Chatham into a community safety centre, housing CK Fire administrative offices and select CK police functions such as the Emergency Communications Centre once the Treatment Centre vacates its current building in the Fall and moves into its newly-constructed building.
Staff said CK police investigative services and mobile crisis unit would also occupy the building, along with CK paramedicine services, a CK Emergency Operations Centre, CK Victim Services, and the CK collision reporting centre.
Administration said making efficient use of this existing building reduces the need for additional standalone facilities, allows better use of other existing municipal buildings, and avoids current leasing costs.
"This integrated approach supports operational efficiency by accommodating the distinct building system requirements of each emergency services, such as enhanced backup power and communications infrastructure within a single, purpose-adapted facility," noted staff in a report going to CK Council on Monday evening.
A report regarding this initiative and retaining a consultant to undertake a site plan and concept/preliminary design for the building is set for the August/September meeting of Council.
