Accolades abound at Th'YARC public meeting

Th’YARC executive council called for the meeting, which members of the Yarmouth Town Council attended, to determine the level of support in the region for a new multi-purpose state-of-the-art arts complex to replace the present YARC.

The location of the proposed new facility (estimated at $8 million) has been a point of contention in the past, with downtown Yarmouth, the waterfront and the present location on Parade Street as strong contenders.

Results from a 2003 study commissioned by the Town and Municipality of Yarmouth and the Municipality of Argyle determined that a downtown location, preferably with a harbour view, was the best one.

Three years later Th’YARC funded its own feasibility study and business plan. A wide range of representatives from municipal councils, affiliated groups, and comparable art centres were consulted. The conclusion was that Parade Street was the preferred location.

Only one or two people voiced concerns about the location at the meeting. The bulk of the evening featured many who stood to describe the importance of the arts facility in their life.

Mayor Charles Crosby says his impression of the meeting was that good ideas were presented and that the location of the proposed facility wasn’t as big a topic as he thought it was going to be.

“Everybody thinks that Parade Street is where it should be. Council has never said they weren’t in favour of this, they just preferred that it be in the downtown core. Once the decision has been made as to where it’s going to go, council will still be on side.”

Mayor Crosby said that although the facility was a number one priority because they wanted it to go downtown, it remains a priority on the books until another strategic study is completed. The YMCA may take its place.

“The next step for the Th’YARC is to get their act together and get a plan ready on how much it will cost,” said Crosby.

“They’ll have to see how much money they are going to raise and how much they will get from provincial and federal governments and then they’ll have to come to the municipalities,” he said.