In mid-April, Elliot Lake city council approved a design for the new Elliot Lake Arts and Culture Centre to replace the Lester B. Pearson Civic Centre which had to be demolished following the collapse of the roof.
However, the finance committee met last night to discuss an amendment to the motion to add on another 1,000 square feet for the Nuclear and Mining Museum, which is delegated just over 3,000 square feet in the new design.
Interim curator Amelia D’Amato told the committee there is not enough room citing the need for storage and exhibition space, as well as for travelling exhibits.
Councillor Ed Pearce was the only one who opposed the motion with concerns about finding financing for another $400,000.
However, several councillors pointed out the city is applying for several grants, so the real cost could be around $100,000 for the additional footage.
In the end, the finance committee passed the motion to send the amendment to the full council meeting for final approval.