Joint Community Centre for Town & County
The Municipality of Cumberland and the Town of Amherst have joined forces to consider a new recreation and community centre.
The partnership announced today that they have hired Sierra Planning and Management of Toronto to conduct a feasibility study.
The Mayor of Cumberland says, “The Municipality of Cumberland council decided to partner in this feasibility study to ensure we get the best evidence available on the potential costs and benefits such a facility would have for our region.” Murray Scott added, “We look forward to seeing how a potential new facility can work with our Dr. Carson and Marion Murray Community Centre in Springhill to attract larger events, events that one facility alone could not do.”
Amherst Mayor David Kogon said, “Council feels this community centre project could be a game changer, both for the quality of life of our existing residents and our economic development efforts for the greater area. Having top-notch facilities like this is now considered basic infrastructure for growing, prosperous communities.”
The town accepted an 80 - 20 split of the $83,000 study.
Both councils recognize a new community centre could be used by residents throughout the region and could be used in conjunction with other facilities, like the community centre in Springhill, to attract large events that require multiple facilities.
Community consultation will be a major part of the study. It will include reaching out to potential partners, significant stakeholders and user groups as well as the broader community through surveys and public meetings.
Sierra has conducted similar studies throughout Canada, including projects in New Glasgow, Halifax, Cape Breton and Kentville, as well as projects in New Brunswick and P.E.I.
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