Sydney Mines Knights of Columbus hall destroyed by fire may rebuild next year

Knights of Columbus hopes funding will come through to rebuild a Sydney Mines community centre that was destroyed by fire last year.

The Knights of Columbus hall was 75 years old when it was demolished following the fire. Rebuilding costs are much higher than the insurance settlement, said Hector Dipersio of the Knights of Columbus Wednesday.

The group's application for funding to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency was delayed because of the election.

"We're just waiting for a word from them," Dipersio said.

He says if funding is approved from the Trudeau government then the Knights of Columbus will use the insurance money to get the rebuild started.

"What we applied for is $300,000 each from the various levels of government and that would be enough to construct a building. How we get that $300,000 may not be in one fell swoop," Dipersio said.

Cape Breton Regional Municipality will be happy to consider any funding requests, Mayor Cecil Clarke said.

"The Knights of Columbus had a long history of everything from funeral reception to benefit to a celebration of a wedding to just general community support," Clarke said.

"I think it's always important when people want to give back and Knights of Columbus are being steadfast and want to rebuild."

Knights of Columbus hopes to secure financial support in time to start construction in April.