The Cochrane Lions Club executive is worried recent comments made by Mayor Ivan Brooker might mean they are pouring money into what will become a wasted investment.
Since the closure of the old curling club, the Lions have transformed the facility into the Cochrane Lions Events Centre, a venue geared toward meeting the town’s need for a community gathering space.
Last week, in his interview announcing his candidacy for re-election, Brooker identified the old curling club site as a possible location for a future senior home development.
The town currently leases the land to the Cochrane Lions Club.
“Club members have expressed their concerns about the comments made by Mr. Booker which suggest that the upcoming 2019 renewal of the Cochrane Lions Rodeo Park may not include the Cochrane Lions Event Centre (the old curling club building),” stated Jez Rogers, Cochrane Lions president.
“With respect to the long term home for our rodeo, the Lions would like hear from the residents and business owners of Cochrane as to whether they want the rodeo to remain in its current location or be moved to the proposed annexed lands located at the outskirts of town. “
Brooker said it is too early to predict the fate of the old curling club as the discussion about lease renewals have not even begun.
He added he was one of the parties who helped negotiate the Lions Club’s current deal with the old curling club and if it was his intention to pull the rug out from under them it would be pretty “foolish of me to negotiate it in the first place.”
Brooker also pointed out the old curling club needs significant work but added there are lots of options for the area due to the amount of land available.
Brooker emphasized a seniors complex does not necessarily preclude space for the Lions Club.
The public can indicate their preferences by sending an email to the lions at [email protected].
