A program that provides meals to children and seniors is still out of operation after being shut down by the Nova Scotia government two months ago.
Organizers at the Ward 5 Neighbourhood Centre in Halifax’s north end were told in August that they would have to shut down until they upgraded their dishwashing practices.
The problems started when someone who visited the centre complained to the government about the way dishes were being washed.
The government said it had no choice but to shut down the program, which had been operating for 40 years.
“It’s been difficult. I mean, we miss this place so much,” says Paulette Dann.
“I think for myself and all the parents here, it’s been the greatest upset,” says parent and board member Nicole Gardiner – Simensen.
In order to reach provincial standards, the centre was told it had to either install extra sinks for handwashing and sanitization, or buy a commercial dishwasher.
That problem was solved when a Good Samaritan donated a dishwasher to the centre, but now there are other issues, such as problems with plumbing and electrical, plaguing the facility.
As a result, what was supposed to be a $6,000 job to install the dishwasher has turned into an $80,000 renovation.
“We’re applying to the government as well and explaining how the need is urgent,” says Doug MacDonald, the centre’s executive director. “It’s a major amount of money and, without a good hunk from government, it’s going to be hard to get to the end.”
Despite the setback, MacDonald says he remains optimistic that the centre will be able to provide meals to children and seniors in need once again.
“We’re going to eventually, down the road, have a wonderful bright new kitchen.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Kayla Hounsell
