Two private investors are said to be interested in buying Exhibition Park, which is scheduled to close Nov. 15.
Jim Gourlay with the Exposition Managers Society of Nova Scotia won’t name the potential investors, but says it’s a Halifax developer offering to pay market value.
He says the society wants to see the building saved and repairs done as soon as possible.
“We can get repairs done before the winter closes in on us,” said Gourlay. “If we lose a year, we lose momentum and we lose a lot.”
Three tourism and exhibition associations are backing the private takeover. The owner and the province are currently looking over the options.
Supporters of the exhibition industry say the private investor has committed to operating and maintaining the facility for eight years. They're hopeful under new management and with aggressive marketing the industry can double its revenue over the next decade.
Business owner Chris Shaw brings in $250,000 at Halifax's Annual International Boat Show. He says exhibitions create jobs, fill hotels and bring in new business opportunities.
“It is a big economic engine both for us and for the community,” said Shaw.
Government plans to close down the facility as they are unable to afford the repairs to keep it going.
Those most affected say closing the facility as planned would decimate a $12 million industry.
“We are seeing an important piece of infrastructure being closed very abruptly,” said Darlene Grant Fiander of the Nova Scotia Tourism Association. “It is a significant revenue generator for the province.”
On Tuesday, the government acknowledged the need to come to a resolution quickly, but wouldn't say if or when a deal would be made.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl.
