WATCH ABOVE: Master Promotions Ltd. is telling the Nova Scotia government to take action and save Exhibition Park, or watch the industry die. Global’s Dave Squires reports.
HALIFAX – Master Promotions Ltd., the country’s largest independent trade and consumer show group, is pressuring the provincial government to partner with an investor or buyer in the private sector as a short-term solution to keep Exhibition Park open until Spring 2016.
Last week, the provincial government announced it would be ceasing operations at Exhibition Park due to an estimated $9 million in repairs that are needed. The facility will close in November.
But Wendell Howes, president of Master Promotions Ltd., said closing the facility permanently would be a tragic decision.
“The closing of Exhibition Park will lead to a crash of the local exhibition and event industry and millions of dollars in revenue loss,” said Howes.
Howes refuted the government’s $9 million dollar price tag, and suggests a much smaller bill can be footed privately for minor repairs. He also said he doesn’t believe a government inspection, which called the facility unsafe and the roof structurally compromised by massive amounts of show this past winter.
“The building is structurally sound but does need some tender loving care,” said Howes.
Government stands by its inspection and are still planning on divesting themselves of the property. They are also not committing to any proposals at this time.
“I wouldn’t say we are going to commit to a private public partnership, what I would commit to is discussions with Master Promotions to determine what they see to be the future of Exhibition Park,” said Business Minister Mark Furey.
Howes said Exhibition Park is the only size venue in the province for large scale fair and trade shows and if it closes, it would be huge loses for many businesses.
Matthew Schurman organizes the Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show at Exhibition Park. He said Master Promotion’s proposal is the only option, without Exhibition Park his business would suffer.
“Our plan b option is a smaller show,” said Schurman.
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