(Y95 News photo)
A proposal for an expansion to Mariners Centre is now in the hands of MLA Zach Churchill and MP Colin Fraser.
Earlier this year, the three municipal units were made aware that there could be a funding stream that the project could fit within.
The CAO for the Municipality of Yarmouth, Victoria Brookes says there is no funding stream open right now for applications.
“It’s just that, it’s a proposal. We’re working with elected officials creating a healthy dialogue about the importance of the project and the impact the project could have for our communities.”
She says at the present time no funding stream is open for applications, however it was important to get the application to the provincial and federal governments.
“The steering committee views the project as a paradigm shift for our community, creating a hub and a catalyst for the type of situation that not only existing residents are looking for but future residents.”
The chair of the steering committee, Warden Leland Anthony will request meetings with the MLA and MP on how best to move the approximately $30 million project proposal forward.
Phase one of the expansion includes an aquatic centre and indoor/outdoor track and fieldhouse. . The proposal was developed in recent weeks with help from EXP Architects of Halifax.
NO GUARANTEES:
In a news release issued Monday afternoon from the Steering Committee, residents were reminded that nothing has been promised from the provincial or federal governments.
Funding Proposal Submitted for Mariners Centre Expansion
Monday, July 29th, 2019 – Yarmouth, N.S. – Monday, July 29th, 2019 – Yarmouth, N.S. –
The Mariners Centre Expansion Committee has submitted a detailed proposal seeking federal and provincial money for an expansion at Mariners Centre. The proposal was developed in recent weeks with help from EXP Architects of Halifax.
As stated in an open letter from the committee this spring, the proposal makes a strong case for adding three key components: an aquatics centre, indoor/outdoor tracks, and a multi-purpose field house. While the proposal focuses on the fact that Yarmouth County has ageing recreation infrastructure that needs replacing, it also puts forward a vision for a facility that addresses specific challenges faced in the region.
“We made certain to stress how important this expansion is and how it can help with key issues residents of Yarmouth County face today,” said Steering Committee Chair, Leland Anthony. “The expansion can help with population growth and attracting young families and professionals such as doctors to the area. We also stressed how an expansion at Mariners Centre could better serve our ageing population and give us all a wonderful place to gather and be more active as a community.”
Argyle Warden and Committee Co-Chair Danny Muise agreed with Anthony’s views on the proposal, but also added there are no guarantees. “We are all happy with the proposal and believe it provides a strong vision for a facility we can all be proud of,” said Muise. “But as we’ve stated from the start, there are no guarantees on receiving funding or any specific amount of money if the proposal is approved. Also, we may receive less than hoped which could lead to cutting back on some components.”
Town of Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood expressed excitement about the work done to this point. However, like Muise, also pointed out that nothing is guaranteed and patience is required as the proposal makes its way through the evaluation process.
“The Steering committee worked hard over recent weeks to build a strong case for expansion and we’re confident we have done just that.” said Mood. “It’s an exciting proposal which captures a shared vision of all three municipalities. It’s out of our hands at this point but we hope both the province and federal government understand our needs and see value in this project. We also have no timetable on receiving an answer, so at this time we need to wait and be patient.”
The Steering committee is a group of 9 comprised of three members each from the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, the Town of Yarmouth, and the Municipality of the District of Argyle. The members are:
Municipality of Yarmouth
Warden Leland Anthony (Committee Chair)
Deputy Warden John Cunningham
CAO Victoria Brooks
Town of Yarmouth
Mayor Pam Mood
Deputy Mayor Phil Mooney
CAO Jeff Gushue
Municipality of Argyle
Warden Danny Muise (Committee Vice-Chair)
Deputy Warden Guy Surette
CAO Alain Muise
