Stantec Principal architect Jeff Penner explains the different Multiplex plan options to open house visitors.

About 80 to 100 people attended the City of Steinbach's open house Tuesday to look at revised plans for the proposed Multiplex in downtown Steinbach. Here are some comments from visitors to the open house:

Elbert Toews of Steinbach says even with the revised plans, he thinks parking will still be a significant issue downtown, unless the main arena is moved to another site. Toews adds that although not addressed on any plans, he hopes that Stony Brook could be made back into a brook with added water features and attractive surroundings. ”That Stony Brook be made into a brook to get back it's historical purpose and connection to this town. To me it's important that we connect with our past and of course with beauty as opposed to a ditch that carries off water quickly.”

The excitement was palpable at Tuesday's open house.

Karen Peters of Randolph is very excited that the Multiplex is actually at the drawing stage, and would very much like to see everything grouped together in one area downtown. “To me, I think it makes sense to have a hotel that is attached to the complex. I would love to see us be able to host conventions and conferences.” Peters would also like to see the entire Stony Brook area developed into a meeting/go-to place with a lovely park-like setting. As far as challenges, Peters hopes the performing arts centre will be made big enough. “We are a creative community, and there are creative ways to deal with extra or higher costs other than taxes to meet the city's current and future needs.”

Andrew Unger's main priority is to see the Multiplex components stay downtown. “I think having a vibrant downtown is important for all the surrounding business and for the city as a whole. Overall I am optimistic, and it's pretty exciting to see all these different drawings. I hope this all goes through and I think it's worth the investment.”

Stantec consultants were on hand to answer questions about the revised Multiplex plan options.Bill Dyck feels that he prefers the stand-alone arena concept. “The space in the downtown would cause considerable problems for parking, whether or not parkades are built. It is also limits us for future expansion. I know there's been some good planning that's gone on here, but I really feel that if you build the stand-alone arena, you will probably develop another area of Steinbach to be another very viable area of the city. If we wanted to build a new arena that would house senior hockey, the Pistons, and special events and concerts, we need to build that facility out of town or on the edge of town, on an open space where we have plenty of room for parking and room to stretch our vision as they develop over the coming decades.” Dyck also wants to see a space allocated for a Eastman sports hall of fame museum to showcase sports history and artifacts.

Read more:

Steinbach Multiplex Proposals Revealed

City Council Reacts To Multiplex Proposals

Arts Council And Pistons Respond To Multiplex Proposals