Johanne Brousseau says the idea to look at other options after Steve Omischl Sports Complex was recommended as a potential new arena site has nothing to do with casinos or turtles.
See related: West Ferris arena property still a possible option for new rinks
See related: Can a smiling turtle derail casino plans?
At a recent city council meeting a group called, “ “Save the Turtle, Stop The Casino” made a presentation to City council last week saying a proposed casino on Pinewood Park Drive (near Steve Omischl) could critically threaten some key habitat of the endangered Blanding’s Turtle.
"As far as I am concerned it is [still an option].” Brousseau said about the proposed Omischl arena site which would be very close to the casino site.
“As far as the location, they did build baseball and soccer/football fields there when the endangered species act was in effect. It has been since 2008 when the act was implemented so it was built during that era.”
Brousseau says they are revisiting the new arena location again, and looking at potential locations at West Ferris arena, Steve Omischl Sports Complex or Memorial Gardens.
“I may suggest a site and then it is up to all council members to approve my recommendation and if they do then the city will do their due diligence and start the process and make sure the grounds are free of endangered species and go through and go through the proper steps,” she said.
The new report is expected to take about another one or two months to complete.
