No wharf work yetParks Canada seeking funds for larger project By Helen Murphy CANSO – Parks Canada officials met with Canso Council this past week and confirmed that planned repairs will not be made to the wharf at the Grassy Island Interpretive Centre this year.Councillor Finn Armsworthy told The Journal costs for the project came in at higher than expected, so the department has delayed repairs until it can access funds to raise both the wharf and the interpretive centre itself, to protect both structures from future storm surge damage
. The wharf suffered extensive damage during a severe winter storm last January.
Armsworthy made a motion at the Aug. 30 council meeting to invite MPs from the three federal parties -- Central Nova MP Peter Mackay, Cape Breton – Canso MP Roger Cuzner and Sackville – Eastern Shore MP Peter Stouffer to work together in finding a solution to the funding issue. He said the new project may cost $250,000 or more.
Armsworthy says he’s frustrated that Parks Canada has been saying for the past six months, it would make the necessary repairs on the wharf, but now that won’t happen this year.
“The season is lost,” he said. Armsworthy said he agrees with raising both the wharf and the building, but he had hoped the wharf would have been repaired by now.
“The parties have to come together to find the money to make this happen,” he said, noting that he’s also hopeful that the District of Guysborough may be able to help with the project.
“It’s got to be done over the winter and be ready for the next season; that’s my opinion.” |