Lunenburg Opera House finds new owners

A businessman who personally funded a multimillion-dollar restoration of the Lunenburg Opera House has sold the property.

FarleyBlackmansold the building on Lincoln Street to the Lunenburg Folk Harbour Society.

"It's a different world I woke up in today," Blackman said from Vermont.

"There's always mixed feelings when you sell a property that you put so much work and effort and heart and soul into. I think ultimately though I'm very happy to see it go to the [society]."

Blackman said he sold the property for just over $733,000.

Harold Pearse, the society's president, said the group wasable to make the purchase thanks to a grant from the U.S.-based Fordi Family Foundation.

"It's been a long-term goal, let's say a dream, of members of the society to have our own venue," Pearsesaid.

He said the grant covered 60 per cent of the asking price and the groupalso received a donation from a local business in Lunenburg.

He said the society has been working since last fall to develop a business plan andapply for a mortgage.

"It's exciting, a little bit scary ," Pearsesaid.

Much will be required from avolunteer organization "but I think it'll be well worth it," he said.

Pearse said therewill be concerts in the main auditorium, including two next month, but the group plans to renovate the second floor and rent out that space.

Blackman said he hopes the group can fulfil the plans he had for the venue to have year-round programming and create ongoing economic viability in Lunenburg.

Blackman and his wife, Courtney, moved to Lunenburgabout 15 years ago, where they purchased and restored several properties, including the opera house, as well as opened an art gallery.

But in the summer of 2017, he announced he was leaving the communityin a Facebook post that accused the mayor and town staff of creating a "toxic and obstructive" environment.

A rally was held in support of Blackman, where he said bureaucratic delays over things like moving power wires had dragged on and caused him six figures in damages.

The town eventually offered a temporary solution and put in a short-term power line so he could continue renovations of a building on Montague Street.

That wasn't enough to keep him and his wife in theharbour town.

"Unfortunately the town did not work with us in a manner that's conducive to continuing to invest and build businesses there," he said.

He said another opportunity came up overseas and he has since moved to Australia.

"Life takes its twists and turns and I think you kind of need to go with it. Am I disappointed? Certainly.I continue to think what could have been," Blackman said.

"I think at this point the torch is passed to others and I have no doubt that others will fill the space that my wife and I once took in Lunenburg."

MORE TOPSTORIES

• NDP calls for more mental health services for cancer patients after heart-rending video

• How a court battle over 'Grabher' licence plate reflects wider societal debate

• Longtime Cape Breton Liberal MP Rodger Cuzner will not re-offer