Truro council talks RECC in December meeting

Information surrounding the governance of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) were discussed at Truro council on Dec. 1, 2025. Photo by File /The Truro NewsArticle contentTRURO – As the expiration date of the Rath Eastlink Community Centre’s (RECC) operating agreement gets closer, the Town of Truro said they will be in communication about next steps.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“There’ll be discussions over this week … to come back to council with some recommendations,” said CAO Mike Dolter at a Dec. 1 council meeting.Article contentArticle content“We have to do this in conjunction with the county because again, we want to make sure that both councils are getting the same information in order to make decisions,” he continued.Article contentArticle content“We do hope to have some contact with senior management staff of the RECC this week as well, too.”Article contentOn Oct. 29, the Municipality of Colchester County announced that they would be terminating the operational agreement for the RECC. The multi-purpose facility, which has a pool, hockey arena, fitness centre and more, is co-owned by Colchester County and the Town of Truro.Article contentIn this statement, the county said it believed that the RECC’s management had been “compromised” since contracts were signed to lease and manage the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Complex (NSPE) grounds in Bible Hill. According to the county, this was done without municipal approval.Article contentThe NSPE grounds, which hosts events like the Nova Scotia Stampede, is owned by the province.Article contentThe RECC’s operating agreement expires in late January.Article contentEVENT GROUNDSArticle contentDuring the council meeting, Ward 1 Coun. Alison Graham asked what role the province plays in addressing some of the issues that have come before council with regards to the RECC, like the future of major events at the NSPE grounds.Article contentArticle content“I’m wondering about the future of the Stampede, the exhibition, the racetrack as it pertains to the province and its relationship to the RECC,” said Graham.Article contentTruro Mayor Cathy Hinton addressed the Nova Scotia Stampede.Article content“It’s apples and oranges here. It’s two different things,” said Hinton.Article content“The Stampede is a great benefit to the community. It brings people to the community. We want that to succeed. I want that to move forward and … I’m sure it’s going to.”Article contentDolter said there will be ongoing discussions with the province with regards to the NSPE grounds. He said there is no intent to shut down the events that happen at the site.Article content“As far as the future of the Stampede, as the mayor said, you know, the intent is to make sure that the events that make sense for the community continue to run there. And we’ll work with the province to make sure that happens.”