McLennan News McLennan narrows down time-line for new rec facility Kevin Laliberte: Express Staff. Sept 20, 2006 Two years, give or take a little. That's the estimated time frame the Town of McLennan is predicting in relation to the proposed construction of a new multi-purpose recreational facility in the community. "It likely won't become a reality until a couple years down the road," predicted Councillor Dwayne Stout at council's regular meeting Sept. 11 when asked point blank by McLennan Local Recreation Board president Don Regier about the time frame for completion of the project. Regier asked the question after providing council with a brief update on the status of the proposal, which is presently in a state of infancy. "We're presently in the process of soliciting feedback from the community in respect to what residents would like to see for services at the new multi-purpose facility," Regier explained. Part of that process began this month with the release of a community survey by the recreation board (sent out with the municipal water billing notices) to help identify recreational priorities at the facility. "All we know for certain right now is that the curling rink is going to be replaced. That much is a given," Regier pointed out, noting that the curling club also hopes to maintain a lounge-type environment similar to the one located in the old curling rink. Just what other recreational components will be incorporated into the remainder of the building will hinge on the response from the community. Some of the ideas presented in the survey range in nature from a fitness centre and running track to a multi-purpose room which could be accessed for aerobics, karate and meetings. Racquetball courts, a bowling alley, and a Jacuzzi/sauna room are also included on the potential wish list. One of several elected officials to praise the recreation board for its preliminary groundwork in determining the community's needs was Coun. Catherine Dunne. "I wish to personally applaud the board for making the effort to consult with our residents. It's definitely the way to go," she emphasized. Joining Regier at the meeting was McLennan Curling Club co-president Rita L'Heureux, who asked what the town's plans are for storing existing equipment presently at the local curling rink. "The last thing we want to see is our curling rocks damaged," she said. Tammy Chavis, chief administrative officer for the town, responded to the concerns by reassuring L'Heureux that NewGen Building Systems Inc. has agreed to store as much of the club's equipment as possible on-site until construction of the new complex is complete. Any excess equipment would be moved to the pstairs area of the public works building. The company based out of Kamloops, B.C., has plans to develop two areas of town for residential housing purposes, and has been (tentatively) granted access to utilize the curling rink as a fabrication plant as part of a two-year lease agreement with the town. Municipal officials met with company representatives at the curling rink last Thursday to view the facility and go over the final details of the agreement. Email:   twnmcl@serbernet.com