Hanover Eyes Rec Upgrades

The RM of Hanover will hold an open house this week to gauge interest in future recreation projects in the municipality.

Lisa Baldwin is Manager of Recreation and Community Services. She notes back in 2013 they put together a master plan for capital projects in the municipality. Hanover has been working with Stantec on a feasibility study to get an idea of what these projects look like, what the needs are in their communities and how much it might cost to turn these dreams into reality.

"We're at a part of the project where we have some conceptual kind of ideas, some conceptual designs, and some costing," says Baldwin. "We want to kind of get a pulse of what the general public is thinking about these projects."

There are three projects. The first is a redevelopment strategy for the Grunthal Arena. It would see a new arena with multi-purpose space built at approximately $11 million. This cost would be shared among various levels of government, neighbouring municipalities, private donors and corporate partners. The study suggests that with a new multi-purpose space and regulation ice surface, the new arena will better meet community needs and provide opportunities to increase revenues.

The second project is in Blumenort where a multi-use community centre would be built. At an estimated cost of $9.2 million, it would include a modern single gymnasium, multi-purpose rooms and kitchen.

And, the third project in Mitchell would see a renovation and expansion of its arena. At an estimated cost of $9.1 million, the project would include accessibility upgrades, modern dressing rooms and improved overall functionality. The study says the project could also include a future daycare allocation of $1.9 million, with costs to be shared for this regional facility. Baldwin notes the thought is also to combine the arena with the seniors centre next door, turning it into more of a community centre.

"Obviously it's a lot of money, we can't just run out and do all three of these projects at once," says Baldwin. "Council is going to look at them and we're going to get the report from Stantec, we're going to gauge the community input."

A community open house takes place Wednesday, March 8th from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Hanover municipal office.

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