A major addition to the Halifax waterfront is still going ahead, but some concerns are being raised over rising costs.
A new $140 million art gallery already has funding from various partners including the provincial and federal governments. However, increased costs for materials and labour has seemingly pushed up overall project costs.
“It’s not unique to this project,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage Pat Dunn. “We’re seeing this right across the country.”
The project is being funded with $70 million from the Nova Scotia government, $30 million from the feds and $30 million from an Art Gallery of Nova Scotia fundraising campaign.
Sobeys is kicking in the final $10 million for the project through their family foundation initiatives.
When asked by reporters if the province would increase its commitment to the project, Dunn said they will need more information from designers.
“We are committed to what we said we would do [$70 million], and to having that space for the art gallery, Dunn explains. “But, there is certainly a concern, and as there should be, around the escalation of costs for the project.”
The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia originally was hoping to break ground on the 1.6-hectare site in the fall of 2021, with the building completed in the spring of 2025. It will be located on the Salter Block of the Halifax Waterfront.
Dunn wouldn’t rule out shovels in the ground by the end of this year. He also could not say whether or not the project would eventually be downsized to help reduce costs.
