For more than half a century, the Moose Jaw Civic Centre was the home of hockey in the friendly city. Opened in 1959, it has housed future NHL stars like Theoren Fleury and Ryan Smyth.
“It’s a big part of Moose Jaw’s history,” said Corey Nyhagen, Director of Business Operations with the Moose Jaw Warriors. “It’s a big part of the Warriors history. Quite frankly, without the old Crushed Can the Warriors would not have been here.”
The Moose Jaw Warriors, and all other levels of hockey, have moved into the new Mosaic Place. The Civic Centre now sits empty, and the city of Moose Jaw has the old rink, and the land it sits on, up for sale to not just the highest bidder, but the developer with the best plan.
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“Council wasn’t interested in just selling the land and having someone landbank the land,” said Garry McKay, Moose Jaw City Manager. “It’s about getting some development, as well as the sale of the land.”
Developers have responded. Six have submitted proposals; two of them have included plans to incorporate the old rink in their plans. That’s something that could work in their favour.
“If someone did come forward, and all other factors were equal, then the reuse of the Civic Centre, or a portion, would win out,” added McKay.
That possibility is music to the ears of those that would like to see the building preserved.
“In a perfect solution, the city would be awash with money and we would have it open to be used for some indoor activity,” said Brian Bell, President of Heritage Moose Jaw.
But, Bell is realistic and knows the new development needs to make financial sense. He’s just hopeful at least part of the building’s legacy can remain intact.
“We’re trying to think outside the box, we’re trying to get some ideas,” he said. “We all have our own ideas and concepts, but let’s get some fresh horses in and let’s take a fresh look at it.”
Moose Jaw City Council could hand down a final decision by the end of March.
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