Lyndsay McCready; Moose Jaw Times Herald (Feb 27, 2009)

According to Palliser MP, Ray Boughen the outcome of Wednesday’s referendum was “great news.”
Boughen said he was confident the outcome would be in favour of the project due to the fact most of the residents he has had the opportunity to speak with were “very favourable.”

He has backed the multiplex project since day one and is pleased to see it get the support it needed.  “I think this is just super for the city. I think (once the multiplex is complete) people are going to see it as a real attraction and that will bring a whole new life to the Moose Jaw downtown core.”

He said the multiplex is also going to be a catalyst for other businesses around the city.  “I think the multiplex facility itself will be a draw for people (to Moose Jaw) and once more people are in town they will make use of all the other (amenities) the city has to offer.”

Boughen said he is doing his part, working hard on the federal funding angle.  He doesn’t have anything new to report at this stage, but will keep “hammering on” and do all he can to keep his efforts on track.

He also complimented Moose Jaw’s private sector for all of its fundraising accomplishments.  “$8 million — that’s quite a number,” the MP said.

In regards to the 60-40 vote, Boughen said he was surprised.  He expected the results this time around to reflect those from 2006.  “In all honesty, I had expected it to be around the 70 per cent area in favour and around 30 per cent against, or close to it anyway.”

Boughen figures city council has jumped one of its biggest hurdles with its win at the polls and can push on with the project.  He doesn’t think it will have any more problems moving forward because the majority has spoken and (the referendum) was a solid mandate.

“It has always been my belief that the voters are always right and this (outcome) validates that thought.” 

The fact that there are more people against the project than before is an indication that some voters have changed their minds or that some residents are just tired of the issue and want to see it finished either way.

However, he added, “it was nice to see the positive voters in the community come out and share their votes.”