A referendum took place in Deloraine-Winchester Municipality and residents voted in favour of council moving forward with a new community hall and curling club.

About 65% of people receiving a survey participated in the referendum.

“We sent out 996 and 334 people voted in favour, 327 against, 4 votes were rejected and 10 were spoiled” said Reeve Gord Weidenhamer.

Council wants to ask a simple question to help determine whether or not to move forward with the project that has generated a lot of discussion in the municipality.

The referendum question was “Are You in Favour of the Proposed Community Hall/Curling Rink Complex?

“I'm not real comfortable moving ahead with such a close vote but this is a democratic process and council by an 8-1 vote is moving to get a borrowing by-law in place.”

Council is working with contractors to get a firm fixed cost on the project. “Previously we anticipated it would be around $3.5 million but we have to wait for a firm number.”

Weidenhamer says council will do all it can to keep any tax increase to a minimum. “We know there are some concerns and we will do our best to deal with those issues” said Weidenhamer.