Sights set by all three units on a September 2021 opening date
Yarmouth, NS – May 14th, 2021 - Last night, the Municipality of Yarmouth, Municipality of Argyle and the Town of Yarmouth, at respective Council meetings, approved an operational plan and budget to re-open the aquatics and fitness center on Main Street, now called Mariners-on-Main. Council decisions came swiftly after a presentation of the operational plan and budget was made by Mariners Centre CEO Dorgam Hideib at a joint meeting of all three councils the evening before.
In addition to the approval of the operational plan and budget, all councils approved the transfer of the previously committed funds of $75,000 from each Council be directed to the start-up expenses. Additional funding will come by way of the additional contribution approvals under a new Intermunicipal agreement.
“This is a great step in the right direction for our community. We knew that the community needed a pool and all three councils pulled together to make that a reality until a Mariners expansion can be realized. I want to thank our partners at the Town of Yarmouth and the Municipality of Argyle for their dedication to the community and this project. In addition, I want to thank the Mariners Centre Board and CEO for taking on this project; it is in good hands,” stated John Cunningham, Warden for the Municipality of Yarmouth
Work will begin immediately with the selection of a website vendor, key personnel positions, sourcing fitness equipment vendor and finalizing the capital repairs list. A mid-September target is set for the facility to open to the general public.
“Yarmouth Town Council was thrilled to approve the business plan for Mariners-on-Main at our meeting last evening,” said Mayor Pam Mood. “The solid plan is a crucial step towards the goal of having the building open this fall. Having Mariners-on-Main in operation is important for the physical and mental well-being of our community. Further, having this bridge solution in place allows us to develop experienced staff and grow the membership needed to make a successful transition to a new facility at Mariners Centre when the time comes. Well done by all.”
The Mariners Centre Expansion Steering Committee work is still underway and plans for an expansion are being worked on by the Committee, CAOs and Councils. Mariners-on-Main is designed to fill the aquatics and fitness service gap in the community until a Mariners Centre Expansion is realized.
“We are all committed to a restoration of aquatic and fitness center for our residents now and into the future. While we share a vision for a new expanded service at the Mariners Center, we also recognize the need of an aquatic service now, for the health of our residents and training our new swimmers, young and old,” stated Municipality of Argyle Warden, Danny Muise.
All three Councils will meet virtually later this month to further discuss plans for the Mariners Centre Expansion and the Mariners Centre will move ahead to execute the operational plan for Mariners-on-Main.
“As Mariners Centre Chair, I am ecstatic to see all three Municipalities step up to the plate for this project. Mariners on Main will fill a huge need in the Region by having the Pool and fitness facilities back in operation, and ultimately brings us closer to our goal of an expansion,” stated Councillor Wade Cleveland, MC Board Chair.
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Media Contacts:
Municipality of Yarmouth
Victoria Brooks
CAO
Tel: 902-742-7159
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John Cunningham
Warden
Tel: 902-742-7159
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Town of Yarmouth
Pam Mood
Mayor
Tel: 902-749-6442
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Municipality of Argyle
Alain D. Muise, CPA, CA
Chief Administrative Officer
Tel: (902) 648-3293
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Mariners Centre
Dorgam Hideib
CEO
Tel: (902) 742-2155
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