Through all the headlines and deadlines, we've narrowed it down to the Top 5 Local News Stories of the Year.

Beautiful and beyond expectations are just a few of the remarks overheard when Mosaic Place was opened to the public this past August in downtown Moose Jaw, bringing an end to a project that started nearly a decade ago. Thousands of people turned out to see the multi-million dollar hockey and curling rink.

The facility was clouded in controversy since the city decided to go ahead with the multiplex project. It created referendums, court cases, sparked a death threat being made to some members of City Council and there are still some hard feelings even today.

But since the facility opened, some of the people against the project have warmed up to it. Big time events have been hosted in the main arena like the Subway Super Series and the Holiday Festival on Ice. Attendance to Moose Jaw Warrior games has been higher than ever and visiting teams are quick to comment on how great the facility is compared to the old Civic Centre. Mosaic Place received high praise from Rogers Sportsnet during a broadcast this year as they called it a gem in the Western Hockey League.

Curling was the other main aspect of the downtown facility and league play has flourished since it started this fall.  The ice is full of curlers with different leagues taking part 6 days a week and numerous bon spiels have already been held with more scheduled for 2012.

Conventions and workshops, family reunions and wedding receptions have also been held at the facility that has office space scattered around the building.

The opening of Mosaic Place marked the first time both components of the multiplex were up and running on a city budget.  In December, General Manager Scott Clark made his budget presentation for 2012 and highlighted how 2011 went after bringing the downtown facility online. He explained they had nearly 33,000 track users, over 2000 hours of turf rentals at the fieldhouse and in the 110 days of operation at Mosaic Place, 165 different events were hosted.

In his budget, Clark was asking for less money for 2012 than they did for 2011. Their budget is down by 20% but many are wondering if there will come a time when there is no need for a subsidy?

"That's the goal." responded Clark following his presentation to councillors. "Is it possible and can you get there? That's a tough one. These are community buildings and they don't normally get to a (100%) recovery rate. They are there as a service to the community but we are on the right track and it's something that we want to try to accomplish here."

In 2011, the city gave the facilities a $1.2 million budget and for 2012, the board is requesting $976,000 dollars.

So, Mosaic Place is our Top News Story of 2011. The flooding this spring was #2, the provincial election was #3, #4 was the new hospital announcement and the K+S Potash announcement of a new mine north of Moose Jaw was #5.

Thanks for making us part of your daily routine and we hope you enjoy reading about local news, weather and sports here on DiscoverMooseJaw.com.  We would like to wish you all the best in the New Year!

Top 5 Local Stories - #2
Top 5 Local Stories - #3
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Top 5 Local Stories - #5