TIGNISH, P.E.I. — A new committee is studying a proposal on the viability of a multi-use facility, which could include a pool and an indoor walking track, in Tignish.
Sam Arsenault was Tignish’s recreation director when the idea was first raised over a year ago. He has since moved on to other employment and has become a Tignish town councillor. Arsenault is now heading up a nine-member committee made up of council representatives and community members that are looking into the feasibility of such a project and funding options.
“It’s really all a dream right now,” said Arsenault, who noted there is much to consider before a project could ever get off the ground.
Council’s position, he said was, “Let’s look into it. We're just going to do our homework.”
He added the committee wants to check with other P.E.I. communities that have multi-use facilities for residents and neighbours. The Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre in Montague is one of the facilities they will likely visit he suggested. That facility has an ice arena, two walking tracks, library and meeting rooms.
A first step, Arsenault said, is to apply for funding to do a feasibility study. If the study concludes the project is feasible, then it would be a matter of seeking funding to help with the construction.
A location for such a facility has not been finalized, but Arsenault admitted having it attached, or in close proximity, to the town rink might be ideal.
Tignish mayor Allan McInnis believes the feasibility study and the committee’s work could help determine what services a multi-use facility might provide. He wonders whether some existing services, such as the town’s library, could be grouped there.
“It’s all up in the air right now.”
