At a time when the Mariners Centre hopes to proceed with a major expansion, a number of local municipal councillors attending a joint council session in Yarmouth spoke of the importance of the Mariners Centre and expressed hope that the project will proceed, although Yarmouth’s mayor says much work needs to be done before they can get to that point.
The $30-million proposal envisages an expanded Mariners Centre becoming the new home of the Yarmouth YMCA and Yarmouth Curling Club.
The proposal includes, among other things, an aquatic centre and walking track.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE MARINERS CENTRE EXPANSION FEASIBILITY STUDY
“I think it’s an important project,” said Argyle council member Danny Muise, one of the participants in the April 4 session. Citing a longtime and well-acknowledged local need, he said, “It’s important to have a better pool.”
Coun. Loren Cushing of the Municipality of Yarmouth said facilities like the Mariners Centre are part of what will attract people – including professionals like doctors – to a community.
Guy Surette, an Argyle councillor and another of those who spoke during the meeting, said he’s hearing people say the Mariners Centre should be a priority.
But Mayor Pam Mood, who chaired the session at the town hall, said there is much that needs to be discussed – issues pertaining to funding, for instance – before the project can go forward.
She said the discussion that needs to take place with regard to the project – whether the Mariners Centre is the best location for the Y and curling club, among other issues – has not happened.
While some people seem to think the town is not interested in talking to the Mariners Centre, she said, this isn’t at all the case.
Cost considerations have to be addressed, she said, a point also raised by town council member Clifford Hood, who talked about the town’s efforts to revitalize its downtown, where the YMCA has been a major presence for generations.
Said the mayor, “Nobody’s ready for this project ... from our perspective.”
Responding to the mayor, Coun. Cushing said, “What projects are we ready for?”
John Cunningham, the Yarmouth municipal deputy warden, said the municipality would like to see the Mariners Centre project move forward. While the municipality also wanted to see some numbers – particularly with regard to the Y and curling club components – council was unanimous in wanting the project to get off the ground.
Referring to the Mariners Centre discussion that was held during Wednesday’s joint council session, Cunningham said, “Let’s at least get the ball rolling.”
Meanwhile, aside from the Mariners Centre expansion, the meeting was a chance for the three councils to discuss the drafting of a memorandum of understanding regarding issues the units can work on – or are working on – collaboratively.
Items identified included the Mariners Centre, the airport, doctor recruitment, the YMCA and the library.
This initiative was described as a “working document.”
