Town of Souris Council Clarifies Position on Proposed Wellness Centre Site

Town of Souris Council Clarifies Position on Proposed Wellness Centre Site

Town of Souris Council would like to provide clarification regarding recent public statements surrounding its decision on the proposed site for a new Wellness Centre.

When the Town of Souris was first approached for a financial contribution toward SeaRoots Alliance’s feasibility study, the Town was already undertaking its own review of all Town-owned infrastructure, including the Eastern Kings Sportsplex (EKSP). In order to support this important community initiative and avoid duplication of work, the Town removed EKSP from its own study, contributed $15,000 toward the SeaRoots feasibility study, and worked closely with the Alliance to help establish the expectations for the Request for Proposal (RFP).

These expectations included a comprehensive evaluation of the current EKSP facility, future-use options for the existing building, and the presentation of multiple viable site options for consideration.

Upon completion, however, the feasibility study presented only one proposed location for the new build and did not include the requested analysis of future options for the existing Sportsplex facility.

The professional recommendation identified the newly paved parking lot at 203 Main Street, currently used primarily by the EKSP, as the proposed site. The report further indicated that the Sportsplex would remain operational during construction, despite the parking lot simultaneously functioning as an active construction zone. In addition, the study proposed that once the new centre was completed, the existing EKSP would be demolished and converted into parking space, based on a reference from an Infrastructure Canada document rather than a detailed engineering assessment of the current structure.

The Eastern Kings Sportsplex is a significant municipal asset that has served the residents of Souris and the surrounding communities for many years. Decisions of this magnitude must be approached with careful consideration, balanced information, and a clear understanding of both the short and long-term impacts on the community as a whole.

For these reasons, Council made the decision not to proceed with the site identified in the feasibility study. At the same time, Council has renewed efforts to complete a detailed structural review of the current facility, along with a broader analysis of alternative options. This work will help guide informed, balanced, and responsible decision-making moving forward.

Council would also like to sincerely thank SeaRoots Alliance for their dedication, effort, and hard work thus far. Their commitment to exploring opportunities that strengthen our community is recognized and appreciated, and Council values the time and energy invested in advancing this conversation.

Council remains open to ongoing dialogue and looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with community partners to explore future opportunities that are both ambitious and sustainable for our municipality and its residents.