St. Mary’s Boat Club (SMBC) is getting some big renovations to protect the building from rising sea levels, improve access and revamp the event hall.
Halifax Regional Council approved the project at a regular meeting on Aug. 23, 2022.
The upgrades, estimated at $3.9 million in 2013, will now run the municipality about $8 million due to current market conditions and the building’s need for a deep energy retrofit.
The club, situated on the Northwest Arm, has about 5500 participants in recreation programs, which make the municipality approximately $148,000 annually.
SMBC also offers free kayak and paddle board rentals through the summer months and is a hot spot for weddings and receptions.
The boat club structure, built in 1905, is set for a review by the Heritage Advisory Committee this fall. If it gets a score of 50% or more, it goes before council for consideration.
