Civic centre must be pursued

Published November 26, 2009 in The Truro Daily News

OUR OPINION
Gulp. That was our initial reaction to the recent disclosure that Colchester County’s proposed new civic centre would cost close to $50 million if construction started today.

Geez, wasn’t the project only going to cost $33 million when, after much discord, the Town of Truro and the county finally signed a memorandum of understanding 16 months ago?

Well, that was then and this is now and, rising construction costs notwithstanding, we still maintain the civic centre is one of the best community investments we could ever make.

It will attract high-profile sporting events and concerts. It will tap into the small convention and trade show market that is otherwise lost to Halifax and Moncton. It will provide a place to exercise and meet for young and old alike.

In short, this venture will send a very visible message to the thousands of vehicles that cruise up and down Highway 102 daily that good things are happening in Truro and Colchester County. It will say this is a vibrant place to live, to raise families, to work and to retire.

But let’s go back to the $50 million price tag for a moment.

It’s a monumental amount to be sure but what’s the alternative? Do we wait until the Colchester Legion Stadium falls down before broaching the topic again? And what would the price tag be then?

There’s no guarantee that significant provincial and federal contributions would be on the table down the road, either. OK, the feds haven’t even made any official announcements now but we remain optimistic. Particularly with Christmas just around the corner.

Here’s an example of what can happen to those who wait.

In 1986, Truro spent $13 million to build a water treatment plant at the top of Young Street. It was a significant expenditure at the time but if the project had been put off to today, for example, it would cost, according to one insider, at least double or triple the original amount.

We say yes to the civic centre and when the project’s fundraising committee comes calling we hope you contribute what you can.