Premier Brad Wall was in Moose Jaw Thursday to take part in the official sod-turning ceremony for the Moose Jaw multiplex. Mayor Dale McBain, Regina-Palliser MP Ray Boughen and Moose Jaw Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson were also on-hand.

"This is a historic day for Moose Jaw," said McBain. The mayor said the idea for the multiplex was brought to the table almost 10 years back 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 acting mayor when the project is complete, he will definitely be in the background celebrating along side 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. He said the journey to this moment was a roller coaster ride but 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. "I understand why people want to make the decision very carefully. It is a lot of money to be invested in a community." However, he thinks the community is falling behind the project and more will get on the bandwagon.

Wall said he credits the people of Moose Jaw for making such an important investment in the growth and progress of their city. He said after receiving the $14 million in renovations at Swift Current's iPlex in 2007, the city's hockey team, the Broncos, received improved attendance. Renovations also helped the curling club.

"We were awarded the Ford World Women's Championship in our city next year. These are the kinds of things the intangible that start happening when you have the facilities because they create the energy."

Wall said recreational infrastructure is infrastructure and it's 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."?"