ESTEVAN - The Estevan Minor Hockey Association is reacting to the results of a plebiscite that happened during Wednesday night's civic election in Estevan.
Voters were asked whether they wanted a third ice surface constructed in Estevan. The non-binding vote was defeated, with 1,538, or 59.5 per cent, voting no, and 1,046, or 40.5 per cent, expressing their support.
"Obviously the plebiscite didn’t break the 50 per cent in favour threshold that the EMHA was hoping for, but in no way is this a negative result," EMHA president Stephen Truman said in an email to the Mercury and SaskToday. "Almost half of our voters are in favour of growing our community and that is significant. This is not a resounding no.
"What this means is it’s time to get to work. We need to chase down provincial government funding. We need to work with the city to investigate an Estevan destination and tourism levy. We will look at avenues of fundraising and look at bringing folks together just like when we accomplished Affinity Place.
"What this really does is give us the opportunity to work with other user groups to find out what common ground we have and explore all the wants of the community to ensure all of Estevan’s youth have the tools they need to be successful."
Truman said the EMHA will continue to work towards its goal of a new facility.
"We believe in Estevan and this plebiscite proves that a significant amount of other citizens do too," said Truman.
Mayor-elect Tony Sernick brought forward the idea of the non-binding plebiscite in August when he was still a councillor. He said he thought there would only be around 20-25 per cent support for the project. He reiterated his statement that he is torn on the issue.
More to come.
