Opening of the doors of the HES-SO Valais aula: 5 p.m., one hour before the start of the debates. At 4:30 p.m., citizens were already waiting to enter the room which can accommodate 200 people under the surveillance of around ten police officers. The audience was ultimately not full. At 8:28 p.m., the verdict was in. The General Council of the City of Sierre said yes to the Valais Arena project led by Chris McSorley.
The various commissions first presented their report and the political groups their conclusion concerning the Valais Arena project and the VIVA eco-district. All parties then announced that they were fully or unanimously in favor of the project and agreed to enter into the matter.
In addition, the secret ballot was requested and accepted. Faced with the different reactions from the audience, the President of the General Council was forced to put the public back to order on two occasions. Votes followed on five amendments added, all of which were rejected, to the various objects.
The project as initially presented was accepted by a very large majority. 49 of 57 general councilors present spoke in favor of the Valais Arena.
The legislature had the power to call for the referendum. It did not do so, only 8 – 24 were needed – of its members wanted to go through the people. This decision was applauded by the assembly. As a reminder, the commitment credit of the City of Sierre amounts to 30 million francs.
Chris McSorley and all the initiators of the Valais Arena project have thus successfully completed the first step in their path towards the construction of a new ice rink in Sierre. The next one could take place in a few months and take the form of a popular vote.
The committee opposing the project has sixty days to collect the number of signatures necessary to organize a municipal vote. It amounts to 10% of the City’s electorate.
