Gabarus fire hall next project for Cape Breton community

A new group has been formed in the Cape Breton community of Gabarus to finish renovations to the local firehall.

Work was started on the project three years ago but stalled because of funding and other issues.

The community financed the first phase of construction throughlocal fundraisers, and the fire department was able to get some provincial funding.

That initialwork involved doubling the size of the building with a new addition to house the firetrucks.The older section of the firehall now houses a community centre, but the interiorhas to be finished.

Local contractor Wayne Dickie is chair of the building committee.He saidwork will startnext week on a business plan to map out what's needed to finish the job and how much it will cost.Dickie said the committee willturn to government to help pay for the work.

Cape Breton Regional MayorCecil Clarke saidthe municipality is prepared to help by co-hosting a community meeting with MLA Alfie MacLeod and MP Roger Cuzner.

"It's going to be important for the community to identify their priorities and get them brought forward this spring so they can talk to ACOA about what's necessary and how the municipality can play a role," Clarke said.

Community groups in Gabarus have been successful in recent years in acquiring an upgrade to the community's seawall, and most recentlyin having its 125-year-oldlighthouse moved away from the eroding cliffside.

Dickie saidhis group hopesthefinal phase of construction on the firehall upgrade will be completedin time forGabarus's300th anniversary celebration in July.