As Estevan prepares for a plebiscite on the need for a new ice rink, Mayor Roy Ludwig has weighed in on the discussion, highlighting the substantial costs and the ongoing debate.
Ludwig’s comments come in response to growing concerns and the repeated question of whether the city requires another ice surface. He acknowledged the concerns raised by Councillor Tony Sernick, who is on the Bruins Board on behalf of the council. Noting that the question has been raised many times over the years.
“I totally understand that. That’s been going back and forth in our community, and I think it’s fair to put it on the ballot,” said Ludwig. “I would like to flesh it out a bit more with the fact that even a fairly basic covered ice surface, a new rink will probably, and I’m just being totally upfront, will be around $15 million.”
“You know, you will probably get people to say, yeah, for $10/$12 million we’ll build you a rink. But do you know where that goes? And by the time you’re done, you’ll easily be looking at, I think, my opinion, $15 million.”
He clarified that the plebiscite vote on the ice surface is non-binding.
“If our community says great, let’s do it, then it’ll still have to go back to council, to the new council, but it gives them something to think about.”
The council will then be able to make decisions on costs, affordability, and the need for a new ice surface in the community.
“Personally, I think — this is just my opinion — I think we’re fine without it. We give the opportunity for the surrounding communities to utilize their rink more, which is a good thing. So I’m quite happy with the status quo, to be honest.”