Canning community project on slow road forward

BY KIRK STARRATT

kstarratt@kentvilleadvertiser.ca

NovaNewsNow.com

Kings County council has indicated it will support in principle the transfer of the former Cornwallis District High School property to the Village of Canning at no cost.

The plan is to construct a multi-purpose complex and trail system, named after the late Bert Greene, former district councillor and deputy warden.

Council has also indicated support for its staff working with the Cornwallis School Committee to prepare a transfer and sale agreement, including a site plan, for the approval of council.

Kim MacQuarrie made a presentation on behalf of the committee in December. Community Development Services director Bill Butler, who presented a staff report at the April committee of the whole (COTW), said the development would relocate several community organizations in Canning to one multi-use building - the Lions Club, the food bank, the village and recreation commissions, a seniors’ group and a C@P site - consistent with existing zoning and complementary to other facilities in the area. Community trails and open space uses are being proposed for about 10 of the 14.5 acres of land.

The committee and the Village of Canning are requesting the municipality turn over its interest in the property to the village commission, which has committed $20,000 for a site design.

It cost the county about $200,000 to demolish the former high school. During council debate surrounding the demolition, the opinion was expressed selling the property would offset demolition and clean-up costs.

“This is a valid point of view that must be considered,” Butler said. MacQuarrie had suggested granting the land to the village could be considered the county’s contribution.

“It would be better led by the community than the county,” Butler said about the proposed redevelopment.

Great opportunity: Spinazola

Councillor Jim Taylor, who represents Canning and area, said this is a project for District 1, not just Canning. It could be five years before a plan is put together.

Councillor Madonna Spinazola said this is a great opportunity, but she hoped someone would be in the audience to show support. She said volunteers can take on large projects with the best intentions and make them work, but leadership is needed for long-term sustainability.

Deputy Warden Diana Brothers said perhaps one reason stakeholders didn’t attend is they have faith in their councillor to represent them. She said she understands the concern because the village wasn’t on board with proposals for the property in the past.

Taylor said he would have to wear the fact none of the stakeholders were in attendance because he told them not to come, thinking it would be more pertinent to attend a potential vote at the May session.

Councillor Eric Smith, who works in Canning, said he recognizes interest in the project proposal is high. The fire department needs to expand and the Lions are finding their building too expensive. The food bank in the Lions basement is heavily needed and the Lions are paying about $1,600 a month for their electricity bill: the fridges and freezers are expensive to operate.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency says its contribution would be contingent on any municipal contribution.

Council will arrange a community meeting in Canning and request the village commission come to council for a presentation.