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Village of Alix closes Moonwalkers doors

Mayor says closure is in the best interests of the town

The Village of Alix Council recently unanimously passed the decision, effective immediately, for the Moonwalkers Indoor Play Centre.

Further, Council directed administration, with input from the public, to bring forward ideas for future usage of the facility in 2017. The motion was passed in a special council meeting last week.

“I am dissapointed about the necessity to close the Moonwalkers Play Centre at this time,” said Mayor Arlene Nelson.

“However, it is clear from the financial information we received tonight that we must act now, in the best interests of our community.”

Moonwalkers opened in 2013 when Council of the day was looking for a long-term economic anchor for the community that would bring people to the Village, who might not normally visit Alix. Unfortunately, the undertaking has never brought the direct benefits to the municipality that were anticipated.

There were some indirect economic spin-offs for local businesses, but in the end it could not be justified by a diminishing customer base and increased costs.

Deputy Mayor Rob Fehr noted that when the Moonwalkers first arrived in the village, it was believed that it could benefit the local economy by creating jobs, boot local businesses and draw in tourism dollars. However, Fehr added the numbers showed a “bleak financial picture”.

“As a councillor and a taxpayer, I am not comfortable putting tax dollars into something that shows no return. We’ve given it enough time to have it support itself. It’s time to move on, as hard as that is to do,” Fehr said.

Village Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Troy Jenkins says this decision is another example of the Village’s commitment to the continuation of a major review Council and Administration have been undertaking into the operations of the Municipality over the last several months.

“We are committed to providing an inclusive, transparent and accountable Village government to all of our residents,” Jenkins said.

-Mendonsa