WATCH ABOVE: The Province of Nova Scotia is ceasing all operations at Exhibition Park because of extensive damage to the building. Global’s Dave Squires reports.
HALIFAX – After 30 years of being home to trade shows, exhibitions and fairs the future of Exhibition Park is in doubt. The Province of Nova Scotia is ceasing all operations at the facility starting in November because of extensive damage to the building after this year’s harsh winter.
The decision comes after the operator of the venue, Trade Centre Limited, asked the government to review the properties infrastructure.
“Having another tough winter may make it a little unsafe going forward,” said Steve Mackenzie from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
The government review identified numerous issues including the condition of the roof and the electrical infrastructure. The assessment suggested it would cost $3 million dollars to address those immediate concerns. It found an additional $6 million worth of upgrades that should be done.
The closure means a juggling act for Trade Center Limited, which attracts tens of thousands of people to various fairs and events at Exhibition Park
The events themselves, the promoters will be looking for alternate locations post this winter,” said Scott Ferguson president of Trade Center Limited
One of those vendors looking for a new location is Rob Cusack of FraserwayRV. Cusack showcases his products each winter at the RV show, and he says it’s an important time to move product.
“If we don’t have an inside space in January we are not going to be able to show anything, it’s going to be tough. The closest largest space would be Moncton and that’s a long way to haul RV’s in the dead of winter,” said Cusack
Organizers of the Saltscapes Expo also expressed their concerns. In a statement to Global News, Jim and Linda Gourlay said, “The announcement is hugely disappointing in the short term. We have worked long and hard for the past dozen years to develop what is now a very popular major consumer event.”
The Maritime Fall Fair, one of Exhibition Park’s largest events will also be affected. The event this year will be cancelled and will resume in 2016.
As for the future of Exhibition Park, government officials say they has been interest from the public and private sectors. They say it depends on who wants to foot the bill for upgrades.
The site will officially close on November 16th. The province had planned to cease operations at Exhibition Park after the opening of the Nova Centre in 2017.
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