The Walton wharf.

WALTON: While the fate of a community lies in the balance, councillors in the Municipality of East Hants are awaiting a federal decision on funding.

The wharf and breakwater in Walton are deteriorating and need repair. When the municipality took over the wharf in 2001, the Federal government gave a $70,000 contribution to help with needed repairs and upgrades. The funding is good for 10 years and has to be returned in March 2011 if not used.

However, the $67,000 remaining in the fund is not going to cover the costs, or even a large fraction of it.

A consultant was hired by the Walton and Area Development Association in 2005 and estimated the repair costs at $300,000. Engineering Director Lew Landers feels that number has increased because the design isn’t strong enough.

“The proposed armour rock in the estimate that the Walton and area development association got would not be adequate to withstand waves of that magnitude,” he said of the waves that can reach three metres in height. “That leaves staff to estimate that the actual cost of the breakwater might be in access of $500,000, rather than the estimate of $300,000.”

Because of the time of year, Landers said designing, funding and completing the project before March 31, 2011, is next to impossible. Landers drafted a letter to Ports Canada asking for a two-year extension on the contribution until a decision is made on how to move forward. To date, staff hasn’t heard back.

“Staff is hopeful that a response on the extension of the contribution agreement will be received prior to this month’s council meeting,” said Landers.

The projected price tag gives Councillor Keith Rhyno sticker shock.

“We only have $67,000 left,” he said. “From that, $15,000 is going to be eaten up for design and so on, so that only leaves $52,000. And, if you’re saying approximately $500,000, where is the rest of this money coming from if we go ahead with this? I’m very sceptical.”

But others feel a high price tag might just come with the territory. Councillor Wayne Greene said turning a blind eye will not work.

“I will not throw in the towel for $500,000,” he said. “If the breakwater goes, we all know what will happen to the community.”

He is worried the power of the waves will speed up erosion on the shores.

“We will lose that whole corner,” he said.

High cost or not, Greene, who represents the area, wants to see something done.

“The responsibility I feel lies with us,” he said. “We took the responsibility on, albeit it was to hold it until a community group came forward. Community groups cannot take it on. We owe this community. We have a responsibility for this community to do this.”

Council is expected to hear back from the federal government on their extension request in the coming weeks and will make a decision in the near future.

acameron@enfieldweeklypress.com