Miramichi City council has unanimously approved a transfer of up to $85,000 from the general operating reserve to carry out repairs at the Golden Hawk Recreation Centre caused by a storm late last year.

Miramichi community wellness and recreation director Jason Walsh said the December 23 storm caused significant damages to the roof of both the pool and the gym at the recreation centre, and some of the walls were also damaged.

During deliberations, several councillors voiced concerns about continuing to spend money on the aging facility.

Councillor Chad Duplessie said council should have a conversation about when to stop spending money on capital repairs of several facilities that would be replaced by the proposed multiplex.

Councillor Tara Ross-Robinson said she struggled with the decision to spend close to $100,000 on a facility that’s falling apart, and deputy mayor Paddy Quinn said this is an example of why the city must move forward on building the multiplex.