Plans to build the new Art Gallery of Nova Scotia have been put on pause.

Premier Tim Houston released a statement on Wednesday announcing the build on the Halifax waterfront is on hold.

The project was originally expected to cost about $137 million but a recent independent estimate projected an increase of at least $25 million or more.

The higher quote is due to rising inflation and increased construction costs.

“We value the arts and want to make sure there is a home for art to be shared and displayed in our province,” Houston says in the news release. “But now is not the time.”

The project was originally scheduled to break ground this year on the Halifax waterfront. “The project is paused indefinitely,” the news release says.

Grant Machum, Acting Chair of the Board of Governors for The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, has sent a statement to our newsroom.

He says they’re disappointed by the move but understand the need to shift priorities amid rising construction costs.

“We strongly believe a new Gallery is a key piece of the arts and culture sector in the province, a large part of what attracts people to Nova Scotia and contributes to the provincial economy,” Machum says. “The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is a space for a community that supports wellness, education, and growth through the visual arts. The new building and our programming is intended to work towards reconciliation and the development of stronger relationships with communities across the province.”

Machum adds they will continue to work hard to get this project back online.

“I have been personally assured by Premier Houston that his government remains committed to a new gallery but that this was just not the right time.”

The art gallery project was announced in April 2019. The Province committed $70 million, the federal government $30 million, and the Halifax Regional Municipality $7 million.

Sobeys was set to kick in the final $10 million through their family foundation initiatives.

**With files from Evan Taylor.