Premier Brad Wall was in Moose Jaw Thursday morning to take part in the official sod-turning ceremony for the Moose Jaw multiplex.
Mayor Dale McBain, Palliser MP Ray Boughen and Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson were also on-hand and ready to get the project rolling.
"This is a historic day for Moose Jaw," said McBain.
The four politicians were the first to shove the gold-coloured shovels into the small pile of dirt at Second Avenue Northwest and River Street West, on the future site of the multiplex.
The mayor said the idea for the multiplex was first brought to the table almost 10 years ago and to finally see it come to life is exciting.
"What a great day for Moose Jaw," he said.
Although he will not be around as mayor when the project is complete, McBain said he will definitely be in the background celebrating alongside the rest of Moose Jaw.
McBain said the people who have been working together to make this project a reality should feel a sense of accomplishment.
Although the journey to reach this moment was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, he always knew the people of Moose Jaw would step up and support the project and make what started out as a vision a reality.
In regards to the controversy Moose Jaw faced trying to get the multiplex underway, Wall said he understands peoples' concerns and where the people were coming from.
"I understand why people want to make the decision very carefully. It is a lot of money to be invested in a community."
However, Wall thinks the community is getting behind the project and will continue to do so as time passes.
Wall said he had to give credit to the people of Moose Jaw for making such an important investment in the growth and progress of their city.
He said after the $14 million in renovations at the iPlex in his hometown of Swift Current in 2007, the city's hockey team, the Broncos, saw good attendance and on the curling side the renovations have helped the curling club.
"We were awarded the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in our city next year. These are the kinds of things that start happening when you have the facilities because they create the energy."
Wall said recreational infrastructure is still infrastructure and its an important part of quality of life in a province.
"We are leading right now economically in our country. We also have to make sure (Saskatchewan) is a great place to live and it is these kinds of facilities that help that."
Lyndsay McCready can be reached
at 691-1256.
