Perkins House museum may stay closed until 2017
In recent years the building has shifted and is currently being stabilized by dozens of jacks
The Nova Scotia government is warning its oldest museum may remain closed until 2017 as the province grapples with the costs of restoring the 249-year-old Perkins House in Liverpool.
"From what I understand it might not be open next year," says Tony Ince, the Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage.
The province closed Perkins House for the 2015 season, citing safety reasons.
In recent years the building has shifted, some floor boards have been removed and plaster ceilings and walls are cracking.
It is currently being stabilized by dozens of jacks.
"I can't commit to anything until we've evaluated and looked at all the work that needs to be done." says Ince.
The Queens County Museum, which operates Perkins House, says that evaluation was completed last year when government engineers carried out an assessment and estimated it will cost between $500,000 to $700,000 for a foundation, heating system and other restoration work.
Museum officials are getting worried.
"There really hasn't been a commitment yet," says Linda Rafuse of the Queens County Museum.
Ince is making no promises on what repairs will be made or when. He says more study is needed.
'The money is there'
"Once we have the opportunity to really look at all the work that needs to be done for it then I can talk to you better about what costs we are prepared to incur for this museum," he says.
Ince repeated the Liberal talking point that this project must be balanced with the need to provide core services like healthcare and education.
Local MLA Stirling Belliveau, a New Democrat, says money is not the issue.
Finance Department documents show the Liberals set aside $35 million for museums last year and actually spent $3 million less than budgeted.
"They came in and had a surplus and this particular project, certainly the money is there," says Belliveau.