Progress is being made with plans to construct a Metis Cultural Centre in the RM of St. Laurent. Last week Councillors heard from consultants reviewing the project, as they presented the results of a feasibility study. Reeve Cheryl Smith says they were pleased with the report, noting it aimed to focus on creating a viable space, that would offer various programming, as well as a home for the Metis Artifacts coming from the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington.

Smith notes Council was pleased with the report, especially with the level of community involvement that took place during the feasibility study process. However, she notes they also held a public consultation session over the weekend, which saw even more citizens coming forth to provide their input on the centre.

"We had a few people there who came out and had some very good questions. Overall, it seems like everyone is happy with what was put together. Now, the next step is that the RM has directed the economic development officer to seek out potential funding to see if this facility could be built."

She emphasizes they're not looking at creating a huge facility, but rather a place to celebrate the region's Metis heritage. Smith says their goal is to have this dream become a reality without putting an additional strain on the area's residents.

"We wanted to make sure what was put together would look at things like funding and revenue generation. Also, that the ability to build and operate it wouldn't be a burden on the community."

The welcome centre and Metis Cultural Centre has long been discussed in the municipality, and Smith says she's excited to start seeing progress on that file.