Base talks continue

However, as with all private sector negotiations, which, he explains is normal when dealing with developers, specific details cannot be released; in addition, he says, “We try not to get people’s expectations up.�

He explains residents have been disappointed before over potential deals that fell through.

However, he says, “We are dealing with serious operators.�

Plans involving the three potential buyers are “all at various stages,� he says, adding, “This is not like selling a piece of land or house.�

He explains the authority, and other stakeholders, such as officials from various levels of government, do not want to sell the land and buildings only to have them sit vacant.

He says they want to create jobs. Therefore, he says a large portion of the work involves helping potential buyers create a “business plan that is bankable.

“The development money is the money that is difficult to get.�

As usual, the authority continues to ensure unused buildings are kept in good condition, which is expensive, he says, and that existing businesses can, and will, continue to operate.

He says he knows the long wait is frustrating for residents but it is a complex process.

“We trust one of these days we’ll find the right one (and) we will be the first one to shout from the roof tops.�

CFS Shelburne closed in 1995. Ownership was transferred to the authority in 1999.