Multi-purpose centre brings Assiniboians together, aims to support wellness

The Southland Co-op Centre in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan has been dubbed by some as the crown jewel of Southern Saskatchewan.

The Southland Co-op Centre in Assiniboia, Sask., has been dubbed by some as the crown jewel of Southern Saskatchewan.

And for the town’s Recreation and Community Wellness manager, Steph Vandesype, it’s a fitting moniker.

“There’s thousands of people who walk through these doors every single week so it has done tremendous things for our community: our local businesses are booming, our restaurants, our hotels are full every single weekend, so it’s had such a huge economic impact for Assiniboia,” said Vandesype.

“It’s amazing what a building can do. It’s revived Assiniboia and we’re very proud of this place.”

The centre replaced the old town ice arena that was originally built in 1956, and has been a boon for the local senior hockey team.

The Assiniboia Senior Rebels manager, Derek Lessmeister, said there has been so much interest since the centre opened that he has actually had to turn players away.

“When you get a facility like this, it makes it a lot easier to keep wanting to play. You come down and it’s a nice rink, it might be cold outside but once you get here it’s nice and warm on the inside and you have to drag some of us old guys out in walkers at some point,” said Lessmeister.

Lessmeister, who is also on the board of directors for the centre, mentioned that the vast array of activities that the building offers comes in especially handy when they are hosting a hockey tournament on their NHL-sized rink.