HEATHERTON – Supporters of a proposed Antigonish arts and culture centre are seeking $30,000 in combined municipal funding to launch a feasibility study for a project that could ultimately carry a $40-million price tag.
Representatives of Antigonish Culture Alive and Festival Antigonish presented the request during a Feb. 18 joint meeting of the Town of Antigonish and the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, saying a study is needed to determine the size, scope and viability of a regional facility.
Fenn Martin, chair of Antigonish Culture Alive, and Caleb Marshall, managing director of Festival Antigonish and Theatre Antigonish, represented the lead organizations collaborating on the initial steps in the process.
When it comes to the genesis of the move towards constructing a facility, the pair explained that facilities serving the arts and culture community in Antigonish are becoming “limited and increasingly at risk.”
Martin explained that completing a feasibility study would help “unlock funding opportunities” with the provincial and federal levels of government.
Existing data indicates arts and culture related offerings attract more than 9,000 patrons, including more than 2,000 “out of towners.”
“We want to create a regional facility with a local heartbeat,” Marshall said.
Martin offered that an arts and culture centre would serve as an “economic driver” for the region. He also touted the benefits of having offerings “under one roof,” where groups and organizations can “share resources and ideas.”
At the core of the feasibility study, the presenters offered, would help “validate” the “right size” that is the best fit for the proposed building.
When it comes to the town-county contribution to funding this step, the proponents are asking for a combined contribution of $30,000, which would cover 23 per cent of the projected cost for the feasibility study.
Looking down the road, and anticipating a three-way split from the levels of government — municipal, federal and provincial — the most common breakdown with such projects, they also indicated that they already have a “substantial private commitment” to the initiative.
“We are committed to right size the project to Antigonish,” Martin reiterated, along with focussing on not only what is needed in the near future, but also 50 years down the line
The feasibility study for a potential $40-million project would carry a $140,000 price tag.
“If you build it, they will come,” Councillor Adam Baden-Clay of the Municipality of the County of Antigonish offered, noting that his family — as an example — travelled more than two hours to see productions that could not be accommodated in Antigonish. His family stayed overnight on those occasions and spent money. He cautioned that — in focusing on right-sizing any potential building — the proponents shouldn’t “go too small,” suggesting something is needed to accommodate arts and culture offerings that are not making stops here.
Paving the way
Joint council heard a presentation from representatives from the Antigonish Farmers’ Market (AFM) regarding their effort to pave the James St. parking lot they use, one that is the property of the Antigonish Guysborough Federation of Agriculture. The AFM pays for the maintenance and upkeep of the unpaved stretch, which they indicated is becoming increasingly challenging.
Sheldon MacDonald, AFM chair, as an example, noted how gravel had gotten into the sewer line and caused a back-up.
“It has also become a safety issue,” he said, when it comes to providing accessible parking options for visitors.
Richard Grant, AFM operations manager, said – unfailingly – he receives complaints each Saturday from board members, vendors and customers regarding the condition of the parking lot.
Reiterating how paving would greatly benefit accessibility, he noted they are looking at providing 98 spaces in the lot area in front of the building, along with eight more on each side. “We will be able to better utilize our footprint,” Grant added.
Describing it as a “very slow process,” the AFM representatives noted that they and their supporters have been carrying out fundraisers such as 50-50 ticket sales and pancakes breakfasts.
“Our resources are limited,” MacDonald said.
Noting they are working on getting a “definitive price” for the proposed project, which may involve carrying out an assessment of the drainage system.
“We want to do it right,” MacDonald offered.
Warden Nicholas MacInnis said “the big one is going to be cost,” when it comes to the municipalities making any sort of funding commitment.
Mayor Sean Cameron asked if the Antigonish Guysborough Federation of Agriculture had provided the AFM with the greenlight to move forward with the proposed paving project on its property, which they confirmed.
The joint council encouraged the organization to return with an estimated price tag.
Chances for collaboration
Kara Thompson, director of the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation and Health at StFX, made a presentation to the joint council session.
She explained how the institute is “really trying to build partnerships,” including with the local municipalities, offering they are stakeholders with “shared priorities.”
Thompson indicated that everyone involved are optimistic that the institute will be in a “position as a national leader in rural health.”
As for what the joint council can do to help with their work, she suggested they will be looking for priorities from stakeholders – areas where the community may want the institute to focus some of its work.
Thompson explained one of the key focuses for the institute will be on translating research into “accessible formats” that can be applied. As for ongoing work, she noted one research grant on the horizon involves a cooperative effort with local doctors.
“You name it we are doing it probably,” she offered, when asked about areas of focus, providing examples of research areas, such as aging in place, cancer screening and food security.
Thompson suggested her main job is “being that bridge,” as far as making it easier to bring research findings to the general public.
Mayor Sean Cameron commended Thompson and her colleagues for their work, offering it is beneficial to have such knowledge and expertise “in our backyard.”
Moment of silence
The joint council opened the session by observing a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of the Feb. 10 mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
