The association is looking for $700,000 from the Region of Queens, or a little less than half the total cost. They have already raised $300,000 on their own, and want to raise another $300,000 from the community. Next month they ask Municipality of Annapolis for the remaining $200,000.
A replacement hall has been talked about for the past 15 years, with the original plans to build a $3 million facility. However the fire association could not get financial support from the provincial or federal levels of government, so they downsized their plans to a $1.5 million facility.
Chief David Lohnes said the building has reached a critical point, and if a replacement isn't found soon they would have to rethink the services offered in North Queens.
Mayor Christopher Clarke said they would try to have an answer for the association by the end of April. He added however the full amount would be difficult to come up with, because of the tax revenue reduction from the Bowater properties.
Alan, We are most cognizant of the North Queens Fire dept's needs. The money that has been ear-marked for the skateboard park could only be spent to develop Queens Place. North Queens should be well aware of my personal determination to get the new fire hall in Caledonia as I have said it often enough. We are still faced with the big challenge resulting from a big drop in revenue as the result of the Bowater closure. Furthermore, Council has two more installments of $250,000 each to pay off its commitment for the rebuild of Queens General hospital. Please note my commitment to try to resolve this matter by the end of April or, as I actually said, by the time the trout stop biting.