Press Releases

Another positive step toward the dream of an expansion at Mariners Centre took place at Town Hall today. Council voted unanimously in favour of a resolution that details both the importance of the expansion to the entire region, as well as the breakdown of potential costs as they will be shared by the three partner municipalities. The Municipality of Argyle recently approved the same motion, and it's on the agenda at a Municipality of Yarmouth regular council meeting this evening (Wednesday). Working together, thinking regionally, and getting behind this resolution is a key step forward and required as part of submitting the application for funding.

You can read the resolution below or download the PDF version of the resolution HERE.

RESOLUTION OF COUNCIL

Whereas that the Mariners Center is a regional asset providing recreational, economic, social and
health benefits to the Town of Yarmouth, Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and the
Municipality of the District of Argyle (Municipal Units of Yarmouth County);

Whereas the Municipal Units of Yarmouth County are committed to their collective responsibility to
cast vision, mission and strategy for the Mariners Center;

Whereas the Town and Municipality of the District of Yarmouth are currently the co-owners of the
Mariners Center, and that the Municipality of the District of Argyle provides annual operating
funding to support the operation of the Mariners Center;

Whereas the Municipal Units of Yarmouth County recognize the need for infrastructure replacement
for recreational services delivered in the County in the area of aquatics and fitness;

Whereas the Municipal Units of Yarmouth County desire a regional approach to replace aquatic and
fitness centers for the benefit of the County;

Whereas the Municipal Units of Yarmouth County also desire an expansion in recreational services
such as an indoor/outdoor track and field, and a field house for indoor sports options for our
residents;

Whereas the Municipal units of Yarmouth County collectively agree that the Mariners Center is the
ideal location for an expansion of this nature;

Whereas a funding application outlining all desired Mariners Center expansion options shall be
submitted to the Governments of Nova Scotia and Canada through the “Investing in Canada
Infrastructure Program” for consideration for financial support;

Whereas early projections indicate the total estimated costs for the expansion could be up to 40
million dollars;

Whereas the Municipal Units of Yarmouth County seek Federal and Provincial funding of up to 28
million, being a 70% share of the project;

Whereas the Municipal units of Yarmouth County are committed to funding up to 12 million dollars
to cover their 30% municipal share of the Mariners Center expansion;

And Whereas the Municipal Units of Yarmouth County are committed to a full public engagement,
after a funding application is approved, to further inform the project,

Now therefore be it resolved that:

1. The Town of Yarmouth agrees that the proportion of operational and capital funding for the
Mariners Center expansion be expressed via written agreement, and shall be based on a
blended formula of Population, Uniform Assessment and Equal shares resulting in the
following percentages:

Town of Yarmouth 28.77%
Municipality of the District of Argyle 32.43%
Municipality of the District of Yarmouth 38.80%

The Town of Yarmouth agrees that the funding formula shall be updated every five years,
upon the availability of new census population data from Statistics Canada

2. The Town of Yarmouth supports the funding application for the $40Million Mariners Center
expansion, the Municipal portion being up to 30% of the project cost, up to $12,000,000,
regionally.

3. Although the project budget may be as high as $40 million, that the Town of Yarmouth is
committed to reducing the capital costs where practical and appropriate to arrive at the
same or similar infrastructure.

4. Once a funding application is approved by the Provincial and Federal Government, the Town
of Yarmouth agrees to undertake a comprehensive public engagement process, alongside its
regional partners,

5. The Town of Yarmouth commits to open, respectful and transparent engagement with its
regional partners and stakeholders through the implementation of the expansion project.

6. The Town of Yarmouth is committed to a capital fund-raising strategy, either as lead, or as
support, and in collaboration with community stakeholders engaged in this project.

7. The Town of Yarmouth is committed to a sponsorship strategy in support of operations,
either as lead, or as support, and in collaboration with community stakeholders engaged in
this project.

Anyone who knew Sandy Dennis would agree that she was a passionate Councillor for the Town of Yarmouth. Walking up to the front doors of Town Hall would have been an enjoyable activity for the late Councillor, but ask any member of Yarmouth Communities in Bloom (CIB) and they would all agree that she felt something was missing from the front of an otherwise beautiful structure: COLOUR. That all changed on Tuesday as CIB members, along with members of Sandy's family, planted three gorgeous planter bowls at town hall in her honour. The new colours speak volumes and are a great tribute to a great lady. Thank you CIB members and Sandy's family for these three amazing gestures that will serve as a talking point for the Fall Symposium and far beyond.