As Estevan approaches the upcoming election, residents will be asked whether they support adding a third ice surface in the city. While the result will be non-binding, there is significant interest in where potential councillors stand on this issue, which was raised during a recent all-candidates forum.
The 10 candidates were divided into two groups of five for the councillor portion. Group one included Kevin Andrews, Matthew Dubowski, Robin Wog, Brian Johnson, and Shelley Veroba.
Andrews noted that the city’s population has remained unchanged for 50 years, emphasizing the need to manage Estevan’s existing resources, including its two rinks. He said his priorities include reducing debt, cutting taxes, and encouraging growth. He concluded that now is not the right time for new projects or expansion.
Dubowski highlighted the importance of sports facilities in the community, drawing from his own experience in Estevan sports. "I do think that having sports facilities and related amenities for young people to enjoy and advance their future sports careers is very important," he said. "If it is doable within budget, I think it's important for us to investigate and see if that’s something we can do and potentially include in our yearly plan."
Wog expressed support for future developments but shared concerns about committing to large projects due to budget and population challenges. He suggested focusing on more immediate needs before considering expansion.
Johnson cautioned against adding a new rink, stressing the need to assess the city’s financial plans over the next few years to determine priorities. “I don’t think we’re really able to afford it right now. We need to take a close look at our facilities and explore sharing options to maximize what we already have,” Johnson said.
Veroba acknowledged the ongoing demand for community facilities, including a rink, a field house, and an outdoor pool. She discussed the need to budget for both construction and operating costs when considering these projects. "As a city council, you also have to look at the bigger picture and ask, once you build this facility, how much does it cost to run it?" she said. Veroba added that maintaining an older facility currently costs between $300,000 and $375,000, with a new facility potentially costing more. However, she expressed optimism about exploring funding options, such as grants, to help make these projects a reality.