Campbellton seeks financial relief from region to keep civic centre going

With the reopening of the Memorial Civic Centre fast approaching, the mayor ofCampbelltonis asking neighbouring communities for financialhelp to keep the multi-sport and recreation conference facility in operation.

While it's a difficult conversation to have, MayorStephanieAnglehart-Paulin, said it's one that's long overdue.

"We need the openness to sit down at the table to discuss how to keep the centre open in its full glory like it is right now," she said.

• Campbellton hockey survey asks: Should city keep funding Tigers?
• 2 mayors vie for Liberal nomination in Campbellton-Dalhousie riding

But the city has to overcome an annual $1.2 million shortfall to operate the centre. Meanwhile, Anglehart-Paulinsaid the income being generatedabout $500,000 doesn't cover the operational costs of the facility that has two ice surfaces, a pool,squash and racquet ball court and a conference centre.

Meanwhile, the civic centre was closed this pastsummer to save money on operation costs.

"We hate being here but it's the reality of our finances and it's time we adjust the services in accordance to the money that we have," she said.

A letter explaining the situation and requesting support from neighbouring communities went out on Aug. 9.

In the letter,Anglehart-Paulinasked those communities toinclude a regional civic centre contribution in their tax rate or decide whether their citizens should pay individual user costs for activities at the Centre such as minor hockey and swimming.

"The user fees would take the form of a leisure card which could possibly cost between $500 to $1,000 per individual not living within theCampbelltoncity limits," the mayor said in the letter.

But she said the exact costs will be determined byCampbellton city council.

Tough decisions

Another letterwas sent to residents in the service commission, revealing thebenefits of having the centre and how an increase in taxes would help operate the facility.

"That's the tough decisions that we're at," she said.

"That's why we're asking the neighbours if you don't want the centre closed we've got to kind of work together I can't change the power bill."

When asked what would happen if there was no support from the region,Anglehart-Paulinwas blunt with her response.

"They won't use the facility and I'll keep the lights off," she said.

BalmoralMayor Charles Bernard saidhe won't be responding toCampbellton'srequest for help.

He suggestedthe mayor and council start taking a hardlook attheir financial situation to find some savings within their own operation, rather than looking outside for help.

Bernard said the city didn't provide them with any details about how the civic centre is operated to even justifyAnglehart-Paulin's request.

The Balmoralmayor questions why they need this extra help with a growing assessment on their tax base that has been giving them $3 million each year an amount he saidis increasing.

Bernard was critical of the city for developing new projects rather than dealing with the debt at the centre.

"When they do those big infrastructures,they don't consult with anybody then all of a sudden they realize it's difficult to manage," he said.

Other communities need support

DenisSavoie,mayor of Eel River Crossing,will respond toCampbellton'sletter of request but said his answer will be "no."

After meeting Monday, he said hiscouncil will not support providing any assistance toCampbelltonto operate the civic centre.

"Our issues is we're neighbours of Dalhousie and we know they'll eventually approach us to have support for their own facilities and we can't see ourselves supporting two major recreational facilities that are outside our community."

Savoie like Bernarddidn't like the approach the city took by mailing letters to residents, before the topiccould be discussed by councils and local service district members.

"That was kind of a surprise," he said.I don't think it was the best way to approach us."

ButAnglehart-Paulinsaidshe's not sorry for the approachthe city has taken to get the message out that they need financial support.

Regional issue

TheRestigoucheRegional Service Commission has a planned meeting Thursday andSavoie, the commission's chair,saidthe civic centre request is not on the agenda.

However, the issue couldbe brought up during around table discussion. Savoiesaid such a request for help is not within the commission's mandate.

ButAnglehart-Paulindisagrees.

"We've got to start looking at things together a lot more because we're running out of budgets to run the same things," she said.

"We're only going to get stronger if we're together."