It's still very early, but people in Estevan should be highly intrigued about the discussions for a new recreation facility.
Obviously fundraising will be a big hurdle. But simply nailing down what will be constructed is also going to be a challenge.
Among the ideas being suggested would be a mega complex, with a field house, an ice arena and hardcourt surfaces for sports such as basketball and volleyball. It would certainly be ambitious. And there's nothing wrong with ambition. But it might be a hard sell with the community to construct something this significant.
There have been discussions about building a new facility in Estevan since the closure of the Civic Auditorium in November 2017. Do we want a third arena that could be used for some sports in the offseason for ice sports? A third rink would carry a considerable economic impact for the community, as was outlined in a letter to the editor of the Estevan Mercury last fall. But can you convince people that the benefits outweigh the cost?
The results of the plebiscite held during the civic election shows there is still considerable opposition to a third ice surface in Estevan, although that hasn't deterred some people from pushing for the project. It should also be noted that we're going to have to do something eventually, although that decision is hopefully 10-15 years away.
There's been talk about a field house, a concept that has gained popularity with the construction of the Spark Centre in Weyburn. It's not hard to envision a multi-sport hub like that in Estevan.
Most of the talk has been for an either-or proposition, not both.
It should be noted that Weyburn's field house is not just its primary recreation facility, it plays a key role for cultural activity in that city. Its value is heightened now that Weyburn is without a swimming pool.
Estevan doesn't need a facility as grand as the Spark Centre. Affinity Place is only 14 years old, and it remains one of the finest venues for junior A hockey in Canada. It's attached to the Estevan Leisure Centre, with all of the cultural, recreational and sporting amenities.
If the idea for the field house/arena/hardcourt surface venue goes ahead, a lot of people will be asking why.
We also have to remember that everything is still in the preliminary stages. While some will think that early discussion means it's definitely going ahead, in reality it's far from a guarantee. For anything to happen, a lot of work has to occur. It would take years before a grand opening.
Regardless of what is selected – if anything were to proceed – the local taxpayers can't be the primary source of capital costs. During the planning and construction for Affinity Place from 2006-2011, the provincial government came through with roughly $8 million, the feds added $5.1 million and $8 million came in through naming rights and fundraising. Taxpayer dollars accounted for a lower share than the province or fundraising.
That was also during the boom years. It'll be much tougher to get that kind of corporate and individual support this time around. And the cost of building such a facility is much higher now than it was when Affinity was constructed.
It's going to be interesting to track the progress of the discussions and what is eventually presented to Estevan city council. Hopefully people on all sides of the discussion can keep their conversation civil and if something does proceed, then the detractors of the project can see how the project would benefit the community.
