The property tax stays, the current convention centre is off the bargaining table, and there should be an option to buy after leasing.
That’s the gist of Halifax regional council’s response to the Dexter government on funding the proposed new convention centre, Metro Halifax has learned.
While councillors are being tight-lipped about their counter-offer, sources say the province’s request to waive property taxes on the facility was met with a resounding no from council.
That’s perhaps not hard to believe, given the strong objections from councillors last Tuesday.
That the municipality should commit to buying the current facility was met with similar disapproval.
“We haven’t discussed that at all,” said Bedford Coun. Tim Outhit.
“The discussion of the old convention centre shouldn’t be part of the new convention centre negotiations. It’s a separate issue.”
Premier Darrell Dexter has previously said the sale of the current facility must be finalized when negotiations on the new facility conclude.
“We wouldn’t sign off one without having the other one ready to be signed off,” he told reporters Oct. 15.
Bill Estabrooks, the minister responsible for the convention centre file, would not confirm nor deny the government’s position on the matter has changed.
“I’m aware of some of the give and take, (but) at this stage I’d rather not make a comment,” said Estabrooks.
Mayor Peter Kelly was likewise mum on the issue, saying he could not comment on ongoing negotiations.
