Sussex civic centre stays open for now, with short-term infusion

The ailing PotashCorp Civic Centre in Sussex can keep its doors open a little longer, thanks to a short-term cash infusion from its corporate partners.

The centre,named for the mining company that donated $1 million to its construction, opened five years ago but is in danger of closing after running a deficit of about $50,000 a year.

On Friday, its boardannounced the centrereceived temporary funding from the Amsterdam Inn and Suites and other corporate partners and canremain operational until the end of October.

"The board of directors are actively working with community partners to facilitate a delay in the closure of the centre and have commenced a monthly membership drive that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the pool," the board wrote in a news release.

The release did not say how much money the centre was given.

Sussex Mayor Marc Thorne was not available for comment and referred questions to town councillor and board chairBridget Ryan.

Ryan could also not be reached for comment.

Thorne previously suggested that spending more tax dollars may be the only way to save the centre, a proposal that was received with caution by neighbouring communities that would have to foot the bill.

• Sussex wants to spend more to keep ailing civic centre going

An unaudited statement provided to CBC News by the civic centre showedit earned $402,140 last year from membership fees.

Fees collected for aquatics, fitness programs and room rentals, helped boost total revenue to $558,973.

Meanwhile, last year's expenses amounted to $714,648. Salaries and benefits accounted for $375,000.

The other big line item was electricity, at $130,000 last year.

Reduced services

In the past, the boardhad to go to local governments to reimburse it for its deficits.

Now that it received some funding, it said the centre will continue torun with reduced services "to ensure no additional debt is incurred."

The centre will remain closed during afternoon hours and all day Sunday in September and October. Class schedules and swim lessons will be limited.

A target of 1,000 members has been set for the centre's sustainability. Current membership is at 837.

The board thanked volunteers, corporate sponsors and others for their support but warnedthe public that the regionalcentre won't be viable in the long run without "proposed increased contributions."