Trenton Park request raises question

County council says town-owned facility doesn’t fit regional asset definition

“It is a hidden jewel – there’s a lot of potential there. I think they should make an application for a community grant. It shows we support some exciting things people want to get started in this county.” Coun. Darla MacKeil

What’s the definition of a regional asset? That’s something Pictou County councillors would like to know. The topic came up on Monday night at the council’s financial services meeting during a discussion regarding Trenton Park. The Hemlock Group, made up of volunteers seeking to improve the park, has approached each of the six municipalities in Pictou County for financial contributions to revitalizing the “regional asset,” with the project costing $2.6 million. But several councillors expressed concerns about the county giving funds to an asset owned by another municipality. “It sounds like a great project, but it’s not a regional asset. The town owns that park right now,” said Coun. Andy Thompson. During negotiations regarding funding for the Pictou County Wellness Centre, the plan was to develop a list of regional assets, but this was never done. “Basically no money was available to classify anything as a regional asset,” said Coun. Ron Baillie. Many of the councillors agreed that in order to be deemed a regional asset, a facility should be jointly owned by more than one municipality. “The (Pictou County) Wellness Centre funding formula was negotiated. There’s got to be an ownership stake,” said Thompson. The Wellness Centre is owned by five of the six Pictou County municipalities, with Westville choosing not to participate. Councillors also suggested other amenities that they consider regional assets, such as the Pictou County Solid Waste facility, which is owned by all six municipal units, or the Aberdeen Hospital, which is used by residents from all of the six municipalities but is owned by the province. Coun. David Parker also expressed concerns about the way the appeal for funding was made. “I’m not sure a population-based model is appropriate for this request.” Each municipality was asked for an amount based on population percentage. The Municipality of the County of Pictou was asked to contribute the most – $75,950 – because it has 51.3 per cent of the population. To date, the Town of Trenton has committed $100,000, Stellarton has earmarked $15,000 over two years in its budget, and New Glasgow has made a funding commitment of $33,000 over two years. Warden Robert Parker said: “I just don’t like way they did the funding … this is what you owe.” The funding request comes after the county’s budget had been set, which didn’t include provisions for giving money to Trenton Park, and Coun. Chester Dewar suggested that the request be considered for a community grant. “I think it’s the only thing we could do, if they apply next winter. It wasn’t in the budget.” Coun. Randy Palmer said he agrees that it’s a great project that will be good for the Town of Trenton and the rest of the county. “What the group is doing is great. I wish them the best of luck, but it’s a big ask.” While voicing concerns, several councillors noted that they believe the park is a positive thing for the entire area. “I think Trenton Park probably has criteria for a regional asset. I think it is a hidden gem,” said Baillie. Robert Parker agreed. “With the right amount of money invested, it could greatly expand options for people in Pictou County.” He said the local municipalities need to provide places to go and things to do for residents and tourists, such as those who travel on the ferry to Prince Edward Island. “That’s what we need to do, draw people to stay here a day or two.” Robert Parker said he spoke with Trenton Mayor Shannon MacInnis, who told him what’s needed now in order for the Hemlock Group to apply for provincial funding is a letter of support. Coun. Darla MacKeil said she’s in support of writing the letter. “It is a hidden jewel – there’s a lot of potential there. I think they should make an application for a community grant. It shows we support some exciting things people want to get started in this county.” A motion to send a letter of support without any dollar amount attached was carried unanimously.