A plan for a large recreation complex in the RM of Ritchot will go before a public hearing this week. Mayor Chris Ewen explains what is being proposed by Winnipeg businessman Andy Feng of Unicanadian International on about 80 acres along Highway #59 at Grande Pointe.

"He has some land in the Grande Pointe area on the east side of Highway #59. What they're proposing to do is to build an indoor soccer complex type of development which I think could be a very exciting opportunity for the area."

The proposal also includes outdoor fields for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and football. Ewen notes similar proposals were turned down by Ritchot in the past.

"The first time he came was before my time on council and I think the biggest concern was the water issues and the traffic issues for the area surrounding this proposed development. And now, after revising his plan and speaking with the proper channels like the watershed and the RM regarding the water issues especially, it looks like he's nailed everything exactly where it needs to be to make sure that it's a sustainable project and it doesn't have any effects anywhere else."

Ewen says he expects a facility like this would appeal both to local residents and to sports teams from Winnipeg.

The public hearing will be held Wednesday night at 7:00 at the RM of Ritchot office in St. Adolphe.