A professional polling company spent three days this week asking Squamish residents if they support the construction of a Paralympic sledge hockey arena in Squamish.
The firm did telephone surveys with 300 randomly selected residents.
Acting Mayor Sonja Lebans said those who got the calls were asked just one question: do they support the District of Squamish spending money on the construction of a new arena to be used as a Paralympic sledge hockey arena in 2010.
The results of the survey are not public yet, as the polling firm is finalizing its report to the District of Squamish.
"This information will go to VANOC (organizers of the Olympic Games in Vancouver) and help our case," said Lebans.
According to Lebans, if the plan to build the Olympic venue in Squamish goes ahead the community will be responsible for approximately 25 per cent of the capital building costs. She expects that to amount to a $5 million contribution from the District of Squamish.
"Council thinks this is a brilliant opportunity for our community in many facets," said Lebans.
If the facility is built, the District of Squamish will operate it and cover the ongoing costs of running and maintaining the facility.
The most likely location for such a facility would be at Brennan Park as an addition built parallel to the existing ice sheet.
Mayor Ian Sutherland said if here is a tenant, like a Junior A team, for a new ice arena it makes a new facility more viable in Squamish.
[email protected]
