Chatham-Kent council expected to make arena decision Monday

Arena talk is back on the Chatham-Kent council agenda.

A decision is expected Monday night about what the municipality should do when it comes to replacing or maintaining two of Chatham's existing arenas.

Administration is recommending a new twin pad arena be built with indoor soccer fields.

The project would cost more than $63 million.

But the plan depends on funding from the upper levels of government to cover 73 per cent of the cost.

Another option for council to consider is to renovate Chatham's Memorial and Erickson Arenas.

The town asked residents for their input through a public meeting and online survey in February.

Councillor Trevor Thompson earlier told CTV News he did not want to see a new twin pad arena if that meant closing down small town arenas.

A report by municipal administration shows ice at arenas across the municipality is not used 41 per cent of the time.