News Release
Pressure on to Acquire Theodore Tugboat
(Thursday, June 27/2002)-- A special committee appointed by Halifax Regional Municipality now has only about 45 days to come up with a plan to purchase Theodore Tugboat.
District 21 Councillor Len Goucher said today the municipality has been advised by the Receiver for the Cochran Entertainment group of companies, which owns Theodore Tugboat and its intellectual properties, that the new deadline for proposals is August 15th.
HRM was previously advised by the Receiver that he intended to hire an international broker on a 90-day contract to explore potential sale of all, or part, of the Cochran Entertainment assets and holdings through its contacts in the entertainment industry.
"I understand that the clock for the contract started ticking on June 10th, but now it's for a 60-day period only-- not the 90 days we understood from previous conversations. This puts even more pressure on us to try and save this international icon," the Councillor said.
Mayor Kelly and Councillor Goucher have stated that no municipal money will be used to acquire Theodore Tugboat and its promotional rights, but they are committed to working with the Province of Nova Scotia, the private and the community in an effort to raise the necessary funds to purchase the popular children's cartoon vessel.
Council has appointed a broad-based community committee to explore the possibilities of acquiring Theodore Tugboat, establishing its final home, use and how it could be used to further promote the image of HRM.
Mayor Peter Kelly and Councillor Goucher will serve on the Committee, as well as Councillors Gary Hines, John Cunningham and Dawn Sloane.
Community representatives include, Bruce Smith, Chair, Halifax/Dartmouth Bridge Commission; Brian Lugar - Waterfront Development Corporation; Richard Hattin, Chair of the former Bedford Waterfront Development Corporation; Dick Miller, Clayton Developments; Colin MacDonald, Clearwater Fine Foods; Fred Smithers - Secunda Marine; Bernard G. Smith, consultant; and a representative from the Halifax Port Authority.
Staff resources include George McLellan, Chief Administrative Officer; Wayne Anstey, Municipal Solicitor; Fire Chief Mike Eddy and Lew Rogers, Director of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
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Mayor Peter Kelly
(902) 490-4010
Councillor Len Goucher
(902) 476-0021
