The RM of Macdonald has included a local improvement zone tax levy in their 2016 preliminary budget for upgrades at the Starbuck arena. Those at the arena have been working to raise $500,000 to cover the cost of a new ice plant, as the current equipment is outdated, and on its last legs. Reeve Brad Erb says while the measure's included in the budget, they still have to go through the process.

"At this point in time there's still a process. We haven't formally had a public hearing on it. We know they're going to be approaching council. We've tentatively earmarked some money in the budget. Whether those expenditures actually take place or not, will be seen through the public hearing process. We're aware of what they're doing. They're out there fundraising and all, and we expect that process to move along."

Part of the fundraising efforts include a GoFundMe page, which has already raised almost $70,000, including a $45,000 donation from the RM. Roger Duval is the arena's president, and recently hosted an open house to gauge public support for the project. Erb says that open house saw a lot of support, but they'll need to hold a formal public hearing before making any decisions.

"At the open house, our view was that there's certainly some desire for it to take place. There wasn't a whole lot of opposition at that meeting, but we have to be cautious because there's a formal process through the public hearing we're going to have, and we'll reserve judgement until that. I think in the general sense it's been well received in the community."

Duval previously described the arena as a community meeting place, noting he was overwhelmed with the support he's been seeing from citizens.