Town, county on the hook for extra millions to build civic centre

Published November 20, 2009 in The Truro Daily News

By MONIQUE CHIASSON
A proposed civic centre in Colchester County would cost about $11 million more than originally anticipated.
The multi-million dollar shortfall places the new cost at almost $50 million. The municipality  previously signed a memorandum of understanding to fund $6.6 million of the original cost, while the town signed up for $4.4 million.
Project organizers want the county and town to double their respective financial commitments.
“It’s a great project … but a tough pill to swallow to go to taxpayers to double our commitment,” said County Coun. Tom Taggart.
“I am 100 per cent in favour (and) if taxes go up so be it,” Salmon River’s Charles MacKinlay, one of about 30 people from the public who attended the meeting, told the Truro Daily News.
“If this area is ever going to grow and reach its potential this is the
last piece of the puzzle,” MacKinlay said, referring to other community assets such as new schools, the construction of a new hospital and other infrastructure.
Taggart said the project may be in danger if the community does not move forward in the near future.
“If we don’t do (the project) now the chance to do it in the next 20 years will be slim,” he said, referring to government funding that may not readily be available in the future.
In addition to the county and town’s funding, the province of Nova Scotia has committed $10 million and further financial aid is coming from ACOA, the Colchester East Hants Health Authority, community fundraising and possibly the federal government.
Paul Smith, project manager, said it is “25 to 30 per cent more costly” than anticipated estimates from three years ago.  That, in part, is because of escalated construction costs, enhancements to a fitness centre, two additional swimming pool lanes, maximum arena seating, health authority space and original estimates that could have been too low.
County Coun. Earl MacKenna suggested more fundraising be placed on the community’s shoulders.
“Could they raise $15 million instead of $5 million,” MacKenna asked?
“I think that’s unrealistic,” said Jon Stanfield, co-chair of the project’s fundraising committee.
Truro Coun. Raymond Tynes said despite the financial shortfall, the project should continue.
“We can’t look back. I don’t know how to move forward and it won’t be easy … it may mean a little pain or adjustment,” said Tynes.
Truro Mayor Bill Mills said there are other projects that will soon be paid for, possibly freeing up some town funding.
Others from the public voiced their praise for the project.
“We need the facility … it’s an investment,” said Truro’s Will Sutherland. “A tax rate increase does not concern (me).”
“I’m sure some people would have a hard time being optimistic,” about
a possible tax raise said Truro’s Jim Verboom.
“But things aren’t as bad (economically) as it is made out to be.”
Project co-ordinators anticipate building the facility off Exit 13 of Highway 102, across Abenaki Road from the new hospital site. A completion date of spring 2012 is expected, with the complex ready for occupancy in September of that year.
Town and county council will make a decision on finances and the facility’s future at their respective council meetings.

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