BRIDGEWATER - The Municipality of Lunenburg won't be handing over cash to help pave Park View Education Centre's community field access road and student parking area.

 At a committee of the whole meeting on September 2, council denied the request by the school's principal, Charles Williamson, to contribute towards the now estimated $265,000 project.

 South Shore Regional School Board had set aside $140,000 to address student parking issues at the high school. But Mr. Williamson said it will cost $125,000 to pave the road and the school board has only $25,000 left.

 "It is estimated that another $100,000 will need to be found," said Mr. Williamson in a letter to council. "I am asking all levels of government to further support this worthwhile endeavour so that we may see this project through to fruition."

 There was general consensus that the money wasn't available this fiscal year. However, Councillor Lee Nauss wanted the item forwarded to the budget and finance committee for consideration next year.

 His motion was defeated with some members of council saying they did not want the school board to think it could return next year and expect the municipality to pay.

 "I don't agree with the motion that is on the floor," said Councillor Arthur Young. "I feel that's giving the requester hope that there might be money there in the future."

 The municipality owns the land where the access road has been built and granted the right-of-way to the school board.

 "We did a fair amount with this project," said Councillor Young. "I think they're going to have to look elsewhere to get the money for the paving project."

 Councillor Sandra Statton agreed.

 "I think we've given them enough," she said. The councillor noted the school board received funding from the province for capital projects and should not require additional help from the municipality.

advertisement

 Of the money that was earmarked for South Shore schools, $2.1 million was specifically for Park View.

 Deputy Mayor Martin Bell said the municipality has been a contributor and if the project has gone beyond its original estimate, it is not his issue.

 "To me this doesn't need to be debated now, or a year from now," said Deputy Mayor Bell.

 However, Councillor Nauss countered the access road is located on municipal land. As well, the municipality owns land behind the newly constructed road.

 Councillor Nauss said in the future, it could be used as a street to access that municipal land.

posted on 09/07/10