The ServiceOntario location on Grand Avenue East in Chatham won't be closing on Monday, after all.
On Thursday, it was announced Chatham residents looking to renew their health cards and driver's licenses would have to head out of town to do so in person because the location on Grand Avenue East will be shutting down on August 26, 2019.
The announcement saw an outpouring of concern on social media from residents.
On Friday, Chatham-Kent Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls told Blackburn News that ServiceOntario will not be closing its doors on Monday, but it will be closing on September 30, 2019, if a new operator is not found.
"I've managed to convince [operator Doug Dotzert] not to close his doors on Monday," said Nicholls. "That gives us some reprieve and vetting of individuals who have applied to the request for proposal."
At the end of September, Dotzert will be retiring and new management will be taking over, added Nicholls.
Earlier in the day, a representative from the Ontario Ministry of Government and Community Services said they were in the process for finding a new operator for the location on Grand Avenue.
"We have full intention to bring a ServiceOntario centre back to the community of Chatham," said Sandra Bento, a spokesperson for the provincial department. "Our ministry has initiated a procurement process to acquire a new service provider to minimize the service gap to community and this work is underway."
Other notable ServiceOntario locations are:
- Blenheim – 45 James St., Unit #5
- Dresden – 485 St. George St. S
- Tilbury – 52 Queen St. N
- Wallaceburg - 1239 Dufferin Ave.