Rec facility's $11M price tag worries some Guysborough residents

Some homeowners in Guysborough County, N.S.,aren't just concerned about the cost of a new recreation facility, they're upset about how the warden has responded to questions raised about its price tag.

The municipality issued a call for construction bids on Jan. 20for the Chedabucto Lifestyle Complex in Guysborough.The estimated cost of the project is $10.9million.

In an email to CBC News, Warden Vernon Pitts said he could not speculateon when or if funding would become available from other levels of government.

That alarms Mary LeBlanc of Canso, who decided to send the warden some questions.

"I asked what percentage of the citizens were in favour of spending $3 million, let alone $10million," said LeBlanc.

"I suggested that maybe the citizensshould have had a say."

Facility's features

The new complex is expected toincludeoutdoor skating areas, an outdoor shinny rink,an all-weather soccer field with a four-lane running track and some seating. The indoor facility will havea fitness centre, event spaceand would double as a comfort station and a command centre during emergencies.

The plan is for the facility tobe located near the Chedabucto Education Centre/Guysborough Academy.

An April 2016 funding proposal suggested people would want to live in Guysborough because the community provides a good quality of life.

LeBlanc isn't sure that building the facility will result in people moving there. She's also worried about the ongoing operational costs of such a facility on future budgets.

She points out that Guysborough Countyhas an aging demographic and other municipalities are struggling with deficits for theirnew recreation facilities.

She said Pitts told her in an email that people were aware ofcouncil's building plansbefore the October 2016 municipal elections and all members of council were re-elected.

Construction could begin this spring

"He basically advised me that if I or anybody else wanted to opposecouncil's agenda, we would have been well advised to run in thatelection," said LeBlanc.

LeBlanc called the response arrogant.She thinks people should be able to ask questions about a large, costly project.

Others have posted similar comments on a Facebook page titled No More Secrets, Holding Municipal Governments Accountable.

The construction tender closes March 3.Work on the project could begin this spring.