The results are in from a recent survey on plans for a new multiplex facility in La Ronge.
The February survey received over 300 responses, and town council is using the results to move on with the project.
Seventy-eight per cent of respondents said a swimming pool should be included in the new complex, followed by 63.5% calling for new hockey and curling rinks.
Mayor Thomas Sierzycki says planning is key when it comes to raising funds for a major project:
“Right now, it’s come up with a plan — a tentative plan; go to community consultation (in) June/July; also, find a place to put this facility. We have some ideas. It’s going to council in the next couple of weeks to come up with a better idea. And then, we can really start pushing the funding issue. You need to have that groundwork laid out, so that everything is organized and your ducks are in a row if you’re going to proceed to get any type of money.”
Sierzycki says responses to the survey were very positive, and it allowed the town to show taxpayers wouldn’t bear the burden of a new facility:
“Our biggest thing is that this is going to be a regional facility — and if we can get the region onside once we get a plan, and they can offer their insight on some things, hopefully we can get our surrounding communities on board, as well. If not, definitely user fees will be the way to go. This is a multi-million-dollar facility, and just to say taxpayers’ dollars will fund it isn’t realistic.”