By Pam Wright, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Chatham Voice
The municipality is moving forward with a 50-cabin tiny-home transitional housing complex despite hitting an expensive hiccup.
Chatham-Kent council has awarded the building contract to Jayden Construction after learning the original contractor is unable to complete the work as the company can’t meet required “bonding specifications.”
The new contract passed as part of the consent agenda at the Oct. 21 council meeting.
According to an administrative report, Chatham-based Jayden Construction was second on the list to respond to the original RFP (request for proposal) to build the complex. However, the change will end up costing the municipality $516,000 more than the first quote.
In September, C-K council awarded the project to NOW Housing for a cost of $3.8 million. The development includes building the cabins, a washroom pavilion, a security cabin and a communal structure.
The tiny cabin development, to be located behind Pet and Wildlife Rescue in Chatham on Hyslop Street, is being built to answer C-K’s emergency housing needs as the current Victoria Park Place shelter is slated to close in May 2025.
