Colchester County approves extra funds for civic centre

Published December 11, 2009 in the Truro Daily News

By Monique Chiasson

TRURO – Colchester County council has officially decided to nearly double its financial commitment for a new civic centre.
Council decided Thursday night it would contribute the $14.4-million capital contribution, as opposed to the original estimate of $6.6 million, for the nearly $50 million multi-use facility.
Councillors said public feedback has been varied.
“Ninety-five per cent of the people I talk to say this is something we have to do,” said Coun. Tom Taggart.
“I’ve heard a lot of people say they have concerns that (we) can’t afford to run it,” said Coun. Mike Cooper.
Mayor Bob Taylor said community events will help bring in revenue.
“We should expect … it to make a profit or at least break even,” said Coun. Bill Masters.
The decision was unanimous with only Coun. Bob White absent at the time of the vote. The decision is conditional based on the federal government confirming a $10-million contribution, capital cost sharing ratio of 60 per cent from the county and 40 per cent from Town of Truro and new capital grants received from government or government agencies.
The Town of Truro agreed this week to double its contribution from $4.4 million to $9.6 million.