Cheers & Jeers

CHEERS: MARINERS CENTRE EXPANSION

During community engagement sessions last week people got a chance to see the designs so far for the expansion of the Mariners Centre.

Two of the biggest items that have been on people's wish lists, among other things, are included in the design: an aquatics centre with a pool large enough to hold swim competitions (providing another new source of revenue to the local economy) and an indoor walking track.

A major part of the funding, nearly $16 million, comes from federal government funding specifically earmarked for recreation and wellness infrastructure. It was mentioned during one of the community engagement sessions that Yarmouth is very lucky to have received this funding because it's coming here and not going elsewhere.

Another $4 million is coming from the province and the three local municipal units in Yarmouth County are putting up $10 million. On top of this, a fundraising campaign has pledged to raise $6 million and maybe go as high as $10 million.

There are people who don't use the Mariners Centre who will question why so many dollars are being spent on a project such as this. But even if you are not a direct user of the facility as a resident you benefit from it. The Mariners Centre brings in events that support the local economy. This brings dollars into the community.

Focusing on health and wellness is important and the Mariners Centre contributes to this.

Plus, people looking to come into an area often look to see what recreational facilities exist for themselves and their families. We're told by those involved in doctor recruitment it's a very common question doctors and health-care professionals often ask.

Of course, no one is suggesting a Mariners Centre expansion negates the need for other vital services and infrastructure in our community. Affordable housing, especially, is an area that needs to be tackled. Improvements to health care is another.

But those things, hopefully, will be happening with or without a Mariners Centre expansion.

We think it's better to be happening with one.

JEERS: SCAMMERS

This is the season of giving. It's also the season for being scammed.

Be vigilent. Be careful.