An update from the Mariners Centre Expansion Committee.
In a release, they say several key decisions have been made recently to help move expansion forward.
A budget of $30 million has been agreed on for the expansion project, as well as a revised federal funding application.
“Typically those conversations can take quite a while but I think it shows the importance of the project to council and we understand how important it is to the community.” said committee chair and Deputy Warden of the Municipality of Argyle, Nicole Albright.
The committee, which represents all three municipal partners, also agreed to a cost-sharing model, covering both capital and operating costs for the Mariners Centre and ‘Mariners on Main’ facilities.
The cost sharing formula will see the Municipality of Yarmouth pay 38.6 per cent, and the Town of Yarmouth and Municipality of Argyle will each pay 30.6 per cent.
They also say requests are out to the three municipal partners for more committee funding to keep the project moving forward.
The overall budget is looking like $30 million for the planned expansion.
The committee says funding still needs to be obtained, but they’re committed to working together to make it happen as soon as possible.
Albright says a revised funding plan will fit the criteria for the federal governments’ ‘Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program.’
“This grant is absolutely necessary for the project to move forward,” said Albright. “It would be the biggest chunk of the project, that would come from the federal government. The municipal units cannot do this project alone, we absolutely need funding help from the federal government and the provincial government as well.”
She says that in addition to the application, they will need some help from members of the communities.
“We need letters of support from community groups and individuals in our communities,” said Albright. “If anybody out there is really passionate about seeing this project go forward, I’m asking that you send a letter of support and we will add them to the application.”
