The Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth is pleased to see results of a controversial survey released.
John Cunningham says it confirms support for the Mariners Centre expansion and 275 Main Street bridge project.
On Wednesday, MODY council voted to make the results public, after backlash from the Town of Yarmouth and the Municipality of Argyle, who called the questions ‘misleading.’
The neighbouring units were also upset that their residents were polled without their consent.
Three MODY councillors voted against releasing the results, four voted in favour.
Cunningham was asked if this will affect MODY’s relationship with the Town of Yarmouth and the Municipality of Argyle.
“We’re all human, we all make perceived mistakes. Some believe it was a mistake, and some don’t. But we can move on from this, because of the results of the survey. It reaffirms the wishes of the public.”
92 percent of 400 respondents from across Yarmouth County say they support an expansion of Mariners Centre, while 75 percent support the bridge facility at 275 Main Street to re-open as an aquatic and fitness centre.
He says public input is always needed, especially on these kind of projects.
“A large project that’s going to cost taxpayers millions of dollars, it’s important that we have all the information in front of us.”
He says because the survey was publicly funded, the results needed to be shared.
MQO Research, who were hired by MODY to conduct the survey, will present detailed results to council at a future meeting.
When asked about the survey results, Mayor Pam Mood says she’ll be speaking with town council and the Municipality of Argyle before offering comment.
