ELBOW - A sizeable crowd was on hand in the village of Elbow on Saturday, October 16 to witness the proverbial corner being turned on a major infrastructure project that's been in the works for some time now.
The sod was officially turned on the future Line 19 Multiplex, an 18,500+ square-foot multipurpose facility that will serve as a central hub of activity for not only Elbow, but all communities along the Highway 19 corridor, owing to its name.
An open house event was held at the Civic Centre to mark the occasion, where the success of the fundraising associated with the $6.5 million project was noted and the significance of the day was shared.
"We're opening new doors for all our Line 19 communities and it's very exciting," said Joanne Brochu of the Line 19 Committee, speaking to the roomful of people. "It's a project that's going to serve many communities for many generations."
"Today, we mark the milestone for one of the projects that will leave a lasting legacy and a positive legacy on the community of Elbow," said MLA Dana Skoropad. "Fittingly, this facility is affectionately named after Line 19 as the completed infrastructure will not only serve the Village of Elbow, but also the communities along Highway 19. It will improve the quality of life for all those who call this part of the province home."
"It has taken so long to get here," shared Colleen Hoppenreys, Mayor of Elbow. "It's been long overdue, the facility will give us a new beginning and I'm so excited to be part of it. The building will be a legacy and bring value to our community. I'm so proud of what we have accomplished and what we're about to embark on. This will be a tremendous addition to our great community, and we look forward to the upgrades this facility will provide. What a great community we live in, and what great residents we have who have supported us in this journey."
The sod was turned by Hoppenreys at the location of the future facility, situated at the corner of South Elbow Drive and Lakeside Road between the village and the Harbor Golf Club. Work on the project is set to begin in the next few weeks, according to operations manager Brent Mareschal of Quorex Construction, and he noted that everyone would be "very happy" if the building was completed within a year.
Construction will involve building the new facility, which will include a hall that can also be used as a gymnasium, library, fitness centre, meeting rooms, and commercial kitchen, as well as a large gravel parking lot. It's expected that the facility, which Mareschal says will meet all updated energy requirements, will be operational and open to the public by the spring of 2023.
The building carries the name of 'Line 19' because the completed infrastructure will serve the Village of Elbow and the other communities along Highway 19 such as the Village of Hawarden, RM of Loreburn, Village of Loreburn, Village of Strongfield, and the Resort Village of Mistusinne.
"The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to invest more than $2.1 million toward the completion of this regional multi-purpose facility project, which will serve the Village of Elbow and other communities in the area. This provincial investment helps create jobs, protects local economies, and provides a facility for improved cultural and recreational opportunities," said Skoropad, taken from a media release on behalf of the Honourable Don McMorris, Minister of Government Relations.
"The Village of Elbow is overjoyed at having the opportunity given to us to build a multiplex for all of the Line 19 community and visitors to enjoy. We would like to thank all of the donors, now and in the future, as well as the Multiplex Committee for all of their volunteer time spent getting this project to where we are now. Our hope is to bring our region together and provide a long-lasting facility to be used for years to come," said Mayor Hoppenreys, also taken from the media release.
Based on the spirit shown by those in attendance, many in the local area appear to be looking very much forward to this building opening its doors. Some residents shared with this reporter that they're happy to see Elbow step "firmly into the future" with the facility.
