After we posted a poll asking the question, residents of Estevan and area have put their two cents in on whether or not it makes sense for the city to add a new facility to the city, and the results are divided.

Out of the 910 respondents answers submitted from the poll, a lot of alternatives to a new rink were suggested, but still the majority would want a new rink in Estevan.

394 people voted for a new rink in town, amounting to about 43.3%. The ‘other’ category was rarely in favour of this option, although the idea of a rink/multipurpse facilty combo were mildly popular.

Next was the save money option at 30.5% of the vote. On top of the 278 votes that the option recieved, they also had a major majority of comments in favour of, or not even worry about a new facility of any kind.

The idea of planning a new facilty took up another 17.6% of the vote with 160 votes. There was a noticeable following when it came to the comments around this option. Some mentioned a full size deep pool, an outdoor pool, a field house of some kind, or a combination of a rink and other facility as mentioned before.

The rest of the votes went into the ‘other’ category, which allowed specific comments to go through. There was a mixed bag of comments, and not all are below but have been chosen as an accurate representation of each. 

The votes in the ‘Other’ section become a variable in this survey, as most of the comments in the section are in favour of the other three options in some way. Some of those comments are down below.

Some of the comments for the new rink:

• “Start planning for a third rink with an attached field house (or the ability to add to it later)”

Some of the comments for a different kind of facility:

• “Money is too tight so if you plan another rink it should be minimalist. Even if it just hosts practices. Nothing fancy. And start planning for sports other than hockey.”
• “Our city needs a facility like the Cugnet Center in Weyburn; performing center, with the ability to turn into a gym for indoor sports.”

Some of the comments people had to offer against the idea of a new rink:

• “You had the Civic, with minimum cost could’ve been repaired. Really!!! Great to have a AAA team here, but you better be sending them to nearby towns and utilize their rinks. (As you currently doing to Minor hockey!!)”
• “Facility that accommodates many interests rink. Indoor soccer field indoor park.”
• “No new rink. Only property owners should ever be asked about new facilities as we are the ones left with the burden of funding such things.”
• “Larger centres than Estevan operate triple a teams with junior teams with two rinks. This seems to be minor hockey trying to force a third facility when the present ones are under used. If they didnt think there was enough ice, why did they apply for a team. There is not enough money to build another new rink. Why would they think they are so entitled, to all recreation facilities that could be used. With upcoming closures to power plant and mines, who can pay for operation of a new rink.”

City Council has a conversation around what they should do moving forward with this possibility in the city.