Avenir Centre (91.9 The Bend Photo)
The operator of the Avenir Centre will receive $825,000 over the next two years from the City of Moncton.
ASM Global (formerly SMG) intends to pay back the funding and also wants a two year extension on its 20-year contract with the city.
Councillor Paul Pellerin refused to support the idea and noted how it amounts to a subsidy during a pandemic.
“Yet again, we’re going to ask the businesses and the residents of the City of Moncton – that are being affected economically by COVID-19 – through their property tax to pay for this.”
Since the Avenir Centre was forced to close in March due to the pandemic, ASM Global says its revenue sources dried up and it has a cash flow problem.
A city staff report to council indicates a slow pandemic recovery period is predicted with live entertainment acts only beginning to book and re-book in the third or fourth quarter of 2021.
Councillor Susan Edgett supported the funding and also praised the original contract.
“I think the decision is a way for us to protect the taxpayers in Moncton. It’s a way for us to move forward in the very difficult times of COVID.”
Although most of council supported the revised agreement, Pellerin was one of four councillors who voted against it.
Councillor Brian Hicks thought the deal was premature and said he wouldn’t be able to support something like this until next spring.
Councillors Shawn Crossman and Bryan Butler also rejected the new deal.
