Planning for second phase of KMCC in Berwick underway

What’s in a wellness centre?

“That’s the big question right now,” says Berwick chief administrative officer Don Regan. “What’s a wellness centre? What goes into that?”

As the Kings Mutual Century Centre in the town looks ahead to phase two of construction, the group that operates the facility is trying to determine what that work should include.

When facility planning began, the goal was to build a community centre offering a variety of recreation and leisure opportunities. Phase two construction aims to add value to the existing facility, which opened in the fall of 2010.

“The town doesn’t own the facility – it’s very well run by a committee, and we’re working with them on phase two,” Regan said. “We’ll help them make applications to the various levels of government and they’re very active in fundraising. We’ve committed to the learning centre.”

That portion of the facility will house the Berwick branch of the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, as well as offering a location for seniors’ activities.

What the rest of the phase two construction will entail is anyone’s guess. A survey was held in December to get input from the community.

“The wellness centre will certainly be a benefit to the town and the county,” Regan said. “Like most facilities in towns, more people from the county use it than the town.”

The addition is expected to cost between $3.5 and $4 million.

Other wellness centre projects in Truro and Stellarton have made headlines recently after it’s been reported they remain in the red more than two years after opening. The KMCC doesn’t have that problem, Regan said.

“It’s a really well-managed facility – the volunteer organization makes all the difference. They watch every penny,” he said. “They’ve done some great things to reduce fuel and electricity costs.”

The town chips in to help the bottom line with an annual cash grant and provides some services, including snow clearing, at no costs.

“And we contributed to the original bill and we certainly will continue that again,” he said.

Having the Valley Wildcats move to the Apple Dome for the junior A team’s sophomore year in the Valley is also a help. The team used the Kentville arena in the 2013-2014 season, the team’s first year in the Valley. The Wildcats, Regan said, are a big draw for the area and helps the KMCC’s bottom line.

“Having the Wildcats there is certainly a benefit to the entire town,” he said.