ACES Update for March 2019
Arts Centre for Edson Society Press Release
March 24, 2019
Statement from the Arts Centre for Edson Society re: Proposed Recreation Multiplex Facility
The Arts Centre for Edson Society (ACES) would like to comment on the Recreation Multiplex proposed by the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County.
We are all waiting.
The Edson and Yellowhead County communities have waited far too long for a new multiplex facility. We believe our community should wait no longer. We all have families that would benefit from the new multiplex and the sooner it is the completed, the better for everyone.
We believe the needs of our community are broad and varied. Do we want to see a new theatre? Absolutely! But ACES understands that Councils must make priorities and this multiplex was proposed as such in meeting some of the needs of our community and it must be completed before all other projects can begin.
ACES is deeply disheartened that the proposed concept does not include an arts and culture component, nor a performing arts facility, and by the fact that the multiplex is not proposed to begin construction until 2022 with an estimated completion date in 2024. This timeline puts all other major facility plans on hold until the multiplex is complete. ACES feels this timeline is unacceptable to our entire community. The tax implications of beginning now compared with beginning in 2022 are nominal, if any, taking into consideration that construction costs and inflation will likely rise to counteract any tax savings.
At this time ACES would also like to invite all community user groups from Edson Minor Hockey, the Edson Figure Skating Club, the Edson & District Curling Club, the Edson Orcas, the Edson Aeros, the Men’s and Women’s Recreational Hockey Teams, the local schools and school boards, and any other potential user groups of the new multiplex, along with Town and County residents alike, to lobby our Councils to see this multiplex become a reality as soon as possible. Needless to say, the community has spoken that we wish for a multiplex for our children sooner rather than later.
We implore our municipal Councils to do the right thing: #BuildTheMultiplexNow!
