Funding gets green light

West Hants council approves extra $800,000 for indoor soccer facility

West Hants council has approved an extra $800,000 in funding towards the new combined hockey arena-indoor soccer field facility, with those funds incum- bent on other partners coming onboard.

Now it’s up to the province, and subsequently the federal government, to decide whether or not the expanded sports facility will be built.

If additional funding isn’t approved, West Hants will return to their original plan of constructing a new arena only, with the potential of adding on in the years to come.

All councillors voted in favour of the increase, except for Coun. Jennifer Daniels, who said she wanted more time to evaluate the expanded facility to see if it fits within the municipality’s goals.

“I feel this is a little too knee- jerk,” Daniels said at the Sept. 4 meeting.

“We’re adding a second phase already without some thought and consideration for tax implications and other projects that are already on the table,” she continued.

“I can’t support this additional $800,000 until we go back and take a look at our strategy.”

Chief administrative officer Martin Laycock said the municipality’s capital budget highlights the next five years’ worth of capital projects on the books.

Coun. Kathy Monroe said she was supportive of the motion because it makes more sense economically.