Chatham-Kent's population has shown moderate growth in recent years and that trend is expected to continue.
A new study on the area's population and employment growth potential and corresponding urban land needs, which was initiated by the municipality in December 2021, will go before Council on Monday.
The study found that after years of population decline prior to 2016, Chatham-Kent's population and employment base have experienced a modest increase. The gradual rise is expected to continue with a forecast of more than 15,000 people joining the community between 2021 and 2051.
It's also predicted that the municipality will add more than 5,000 jobs by 2051. Those jobs are expected to be well balanced between the industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors.
As the area grows and demographics shift, housing preferences are anticipated to gradually shift to medium and high-density forms.
According to the study, Chatham-Kent's Primary Urban Centres, with the exception of Dresden and Tilbury, have an adequate supply of designated residential lands to accommodate housing demand over the next 15 years. Over the longer term, a shortfall of urban residential land has been identified in Blenheim, Chatham, Dresden, and Tilbury.
It was also established that Chatham has a shortfall of designated commercial land to accommodate long-term demand in the retail and commercial employment sectors.
When the study goes before Council, it will be used to help establish Chatham-Kent's new Official Plan.