New Beeton arena with a significant property tax hike for it alone

Not in the form currently proposed. I voted against moving forward with the single-pad Beeton arena because I don't believe the cost provides enough benefit to taxpayers, particularly when we have other significant gaps in our recreation facilities.

The current concept is a very expensive single-pad arena, and the capital cost is only part of the equation. Once it's built, taxpayers are responsible for the ongoing operating and maintenance costs indefinitely. We also know that, as New Tecumseth grows, we will eventually need additional ice capacity. Building one new pad now and potentially having to address a second one somewhere else later doesn't strike me as good long term planning.

I've also listened to Beeton user groups whose needs extend beyond traditional ice sports. Ball hockey, roller derby and other dry-floor users need appropriate space too. I think we should be looking at how a future facility can serve as many residents and activities as possible rather than designing around one use.

I would like to see us investigate a larger, long-term recreation complex in Beeton, including whether the JOC lands could accommodate a twin-pad arena together with other recreation amenities, potentially including the future indoor pool. A larger site could also give us room for future expansion and ample parking as the community grows.

There may also be opportunities to fund the growth-related portions of a larger recreation complex through DC's, which should be fully explored before asking existing taxpayers to carry the entire cost.

I absolutely support maintaining municipal arena and recreation facilities in Beeton. The question for me isn't whether Beeton deserves investment. The question is whether spending tens of millions of dollars on a single-pad arena today is the best use of that investment. It isn't.