Nova Scotia·NewThe Municipality of Colchester is promising more information about its decision to change management of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro, N.S., as questions mount.Building namesake, who contributed $1M toward facility, says he’s upset by situationLuke Ettinger · CBC News · Posted: Nov 29, 2025 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.On Thursday, Mayor Chrsistine Blair told reporters an overview of what has happened at the civic centre and what’s to happen next could come as early as next week. (Luke Ettinger/CBC)The Municipality of Colchester is promising more information about its decision to change management of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre in Truro, N.S., as questions mount.The recreation facility is jointly owned by the county and the Town of Truro. In October, an operating agreement with the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre Society was terminated by the Municipality of Colchester council.On Thursday, Mayor Christine Blair told reporters an overview of what has happened at the civic centre and what’s to happen next could come as early as next week.“We will be giving a clear picture on what has actually happened at the RECC. There’s a lot of misinformation out there. There are some disingenuous allegations. There’s all kinds of speculation,” Blair said outside of council chambers. Multiple sources have told CBC News that society CEO Matt Moore filed a harassment complaint against Blair. They said the society’s board was dismissed in May in the midst of an investigation, and the interim board also launched an investigation.Moore did not return a request for comment sent to his personal lawyer, while Blair said she wouldn’t comment on any complaint publicly.Raths write to province On top of an alleged harassment complaint, questions are swirling in the community, with some writing to the Department of Municipal Affairs. On Thursday, Minister John A. MacDonald told reporters that staff are reviewing the complaints.On Friday, building namesake Stu Rath told CBC News that he and his son Duane Rath wrote to the department and three area MLAs about the situation. He declined to provide a copy of the letter or an interview. The 82-year-old businessman said he was upset and “waiting to see” what would come of correspondence with the province.The Raths contributed $1 million toward the facility, which boasts an NHL-sized rink, a swimming pool, rock-climbing wall and fitness centre.Next stepsAt an annual general meeting in October, the 12-year-old building was said to be in need of a new heating and cooling system, as well as roof repairs to address ongoing leaks. The board was also making a list of what other repairs are needed, including to change room showers, exercise equipment and the pool score clock.Blair said the municipal owners are looking at the condition of the facility and bringing in an engineer. She insisted that day-to-day operation of the RECC would not be affected by the governance transition.“We’ll be looking at our options. We’ll be looking at what the next steps are,” said Blair.”It’s a huge asset to our community, so we want it to be the absolute best it can be. And we’re working together on making that happen.”Colchester and Truro councils have yet to vote on a new governance model for the community centre. The current operating agreement expires in late January.MORE TOP STORIESABOUT THE AUTHORLuke Ettinger is a reporter with CBC Nova Scotia based in Truro. Reach him at luke.ettinger@cbc.ca.
Colchester mayor promises overview of Truro community centre controversy
