Atchison unveils platform to 'champion' construction of more ice rinks

With Saskatoon’s mayoral election campaign in full swing, incumbent Mayor Don Atchison has laid out his plan for sports and recreation.
 
Atchison announced Tuesday morning that if re-elected he would champion the construction of more ice surfaces as well as new baseball, soccer, and cricket fields.
 
Specifically, he’s looking at building a new multiplex ice facility that could encourage ice hockey tournaments to come to Saskatoon.
 
“I’m a big believer that if you build it they will come,” he said. “More will participate.”
 
Atchison added many families are currently forced to wake up as early as 5 a.m. or have their children play minor hockey as late as 10 p.m. due to ice availability in the city.
 
The four-term mayor wouldn’t provide any specifics as to the number of ice surfaces needed or how much they would cost the city.
 
He noted the mayor is only “one voice out of eleven” on council and voters need to pressure ward candidates to support the cause.
 
The latest administration report on the need for ice surfaces suggested only one was required to fill current demand.
 
The mayor said there’s more need than the data suggests.
 
Atchison is also noted the need for more track and field facilities in Saskatoon, saying the city is in “desperate need.”
 
On the funding side, he said council would reach out and work with provincial and federal partners to “maximize city dollars.”
 
“That’s what mayors do,” he said. “Mayors get out there and promote the community.”
 
Atchison was also asked by 650 CKOM whether he supports a new large-scale arena or whether SaskTel Centre should be renovated.
 
He said the report process looking into whether a renovation will be possible or the current arena location is even ideal is on-going.
 
That report will be ready within 12 to 18 months. The issue will be addressed at that time.