Cost-sharing request still up in the air

West Hants staying out of Town of Windsor’s arena rental agreement

It turns out West Hants’ warden will not be acting as a liaison between the Town of Windsor and the Windsor Agricultural Society after all.

West Hants council met April 24 and decided against asking Abraham Zebian to get involved in the negotiation of a contract between the town and non-profit society. At a previous meeting, on April 17, they had recommended the warden help liaise between the two entities in hopes of seeing a lower monthly rate be set.

The Journal reported on April 18 that the Town of Windsor had sent a letter to the agricultural society agreeing to extend its arena contract at the cost quoted. (Prior to the long-standing contract ceasing, the town had free use of the facility during the winter months.)

The town also sent a letter to West Hants council requesting the municipality cost-share the $4,000 per month required to rent the facility to provide hockey and skating to residents in both municipalities. Without cost-sharing, the town indicated they would have to pass the cost onto users.

On April 24, Coun. Debbie Francis said she read the report that the town had already agreed to pay the $4,000 per month in rent to extend their contract and questioned why West Hants would get involved.

Other councillors shared similar concerns.

“It’s just confusing for us to be negotiating or interfering with an agreement between two other parties,” said Coun. Tanya Leopold at the April 24 meeting.

She asked for clarity as to why the warden would act as a liaison.

Zebian said he hasn’t had discussions on the matter as he was waiting for approval from council. He said he had been told there was an agreement reached between the two entities.

Leopold said she wouldn’t support the motion as the agreement didn’t involve West Hants.

“It’s an agreement that’s already been solidified, I don’t know what point there is in negotiating,” she said.

Other councillors agreed with Leopold’s sentiment and when it came time to vote, no one voted in favour of getting the warden involved.

There was no discussion at the meeting about Windsor’s prior request to have West Hants costshare the rental agreement.