e-261 (Military facilities)

We, the undersigned, concerned citizens, call upon the Minister of National Defence to revisit the decision to "abandon" the Colonel James Layton Ralston Armoury in Amherst Nova Scotia in regards to its continued use by the Department of National Defense.

We also request that the Department of National Defense complete the necessary repairs to the exterior and interior of the building to prevent it from decaying any further than it has in the interest of public safety.

The Armoury is an intricate part of the history of both the town of Amherst and those men and women who served this great nation in its time of need and in peace time as members of the North Nova Scotia Highlanders and D Company Nova Scotia Highlanders.

It contains the Regimental Museum that documents that history and is open to the public.

It also serves as the home of the 258 Amherst Sea Cadets, the 272 Amherst Army Cadets and the 154 Amherst Anson Air Cadet Squadron who train with in it's walls today.

We also request that if the Department of National Defense declare the building surplus and that a representative of the Minister of National Defense's office be appointed to a committee consisting of members of the Amherst town council, the Municipality of Cumberland County, the 3 Cadet Corps, former members of D Company and concerned citizens to explore other options for the ownership and use of the building.