Rec complex tug of war between Labrador City, Wabush
The sharing of recreational services is causing a bit of a neighbourly fuss in the towns of Wabush and Labrador City, as the two communities try to work together on a new project.
Labrador City council is looking at a new sports complex that will cost roughly $30 million to construct, and it wants Wabush to pitch in.
The two communities are separated by a six-kilometre drive, and residents often avail of public services in both towns.
Earlier in May, the towns said they were onside to work together on the project, but things have gotten off to a rocky start.
Wabush Mayor Colin Vardy says he wants the two councils to look at costs currently being paid for recreational services at the Mike Adam Recreation Complex in Wabush before formally agreeing to anything.
"It is a major expense…the smaller community is feeding the larger recreation facility in our region and it causes a strain on the municipality, and that's what we want to look at before we look at taking on any new structures," said Vardy.
The new structure would be home to an indoor turf soccer field, a replacement curling rink and an indoor track which Labrador City Mayor Karen Oldford said is needed for the area's growing recreational needs.
"I think it's incumbent upon us as the leaders of our communities to come together to make these important decision for the future," said Oldford.
However, Vardy said he and his town council have to ensure that the people in Wabush are his priority.
"We have to make sure we're doing what's in the best interest of Wabush first and Labrador West, as a region, second."
The two councils agree that all recreational services should be on the table, including the ski hill and curling club, but the next step is getting both to sit together at the table.
Labrador City council has asked Wabush council to meet to discuss regionalization of services, but Wabush has yet to formally accept the invitation.