Holyrood shifts community centre money to other projects

By Mark Squibb

Holyrood council last week voted to reallocate $908,060 in provincial government funding earmarked for the construction of a new community centre to sewer upgrades and other recreation upgrades instead.

“This project funding had to be spent by the end of the year, December 31 of 2026, this year, or it would be lost,” explained councilor Steve Winsor. “It’s a use-it-or-lose it sort of thing. But because we’re not shovel ready with the community center project – we’re in an earlier concept (phase) and seeking public feedback – so, there’s no way you would be able to start and finish that building in this time frame. You can’t do that. So, to preserve project funding, we’re moving the funding to more immediate projects that are near term and readily available to execute this year and we’ll reapply for the community center under an appropriate funding program.”

Winsor said the reallocation of the money in no way means a change of plans in regard to the centre itself.

“We’re doing this to protect funding,” said Winsor. “We’re not losing the community centre. We’re not losing funding. This is a very smart and proactive measure recommended by staff, which I support. I think it’s the right thing to do.”

A concept design and land survey for the proposed community centre have been completed to the tune of about $100,000 (much of which was covered by provincial government), and the Town recently hosted a hearing to gather community feedback.

Council announced its intention to apply for funding for the new centre in 2023 and was allocated the $908,060 in 2024 with a deadline to spend it by the end of this year.