The Rural Municipality of Hanover has taken over the Mitchell Senior Centre.

Local Councillor Brian Esau notes this has been many years in the making but was finalized earlier this month after getting support from seniors at their recent annual general meeting.

Esau explains Hanover will take over possession of the building for one dollar. In return, the Seniors Club will be able to use the facilities free of charge until the end of the life of the building.

"We feel that it is a win-win situation for the Senior Centre, for the RM of Hanover and for the Mitchell Rec," says Esau.

He notes the municipality will take over the expense of operating and maintaining the building, while the seniors will no longer have to concern themselves with cleaning, upkeep and renovations.

"It was a concern as the membership declined," notes Esau. "It fell on the same people year after year to run the Senior Centre."

Also benefiting from this sale will be those using the arena, suggests Esau.

"Now when they have hockey tournaments, especially when you have provincials, we can use the arena, plus we can use the Senior Centre as an overflow," he points out.

Esau says they are in the process of trying to bring more programming to that facility. He notes over the last two years, the pandemic has forced the cancellation of most of the bookings that had been scheduled for that facility. This has resulted in very little income being generated. Esau notes this is the first year for the Mitchell Girl Guides and they are hoping to bring more programs to the community, other than just sports.

Meanwhile, Esau says they are planning for a $100,000 renovation of the facility this spring. The work will include upgrades to the washrooms and kitchen but will also include some painting and new flooring.

According to Esau, the Seniors Club will chip in $45,000 for the work, which will be matched by the RM of Hanover. The Mitchell ward will then provide an additional $10,000. Esau notes a year ago a major renovation was done to improve the ceiling, lighting and sound system.