Officials to discuss NSCAD residence issues

posted on 08/09/10

Town officials will be meeting with their counterparts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) August 19 to discuss how to deal with mandatory upgrades required at the former Lunenburg fire hall.

Four years ago the college reached an agreement with council that allowed students of their newly created artist-in-residence program to occupy studio and living space in the Duke Street building.

All went well until earlier this year, when an inspection of the property by the town’s fire inspector outlined $27,000 worth of safety improvements that would be required in order for students to live in the structure.

During final deliberations in June, council opted to cut funding for the upgrades from the 2010-11 budget, putting the future of the program in possible jeopardy.

Three days later, however, the mayor said the issue was “in flux” and was being revisited at the staff level.

Mayor Laurence Mawhinney explains. Click here.