Ideas for the future use of the Souris Valley complex in Weyburn have been flowing into the South East REDA since the Souris Valley Future Use Committee was formed.

REDA manager Dylan Clarke said Friday that members of the public have suggested the property be used for everything from a casino/hotel/spa, to an addictions treatment centre, an alternative medical treatment centre, a youth detention centre, and a senior housing project.

The committee has received about a dozen submissions so far and is hoping all ideas will be sent in the next couple of months.

"The (committee) is committed to trying to find an alternate use for the building and property and welcomes the public's input," said Clarke, adding that a public meeting will be called in the near future.

Clarke said the committee will review all the proposals before sending viable ideas to a marketing firm hired to conduct further research.

"Once the marketing firm has had a chance to review and assess the ideas, that information will then be used in the marketing report on Souris Valley. That report will be used to attract potential buyers for the property," said Clarke.

He said yearly operating costs for the complex, excluding the Sask Power building, but including utilities and labour costs and minimal maintenance, is about $1.3 million.

The 83-year old complex is made up of five buildings, sitting on about three per cent of the total 86 acres of land involved. Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation, or SPMC, owns the land and most of the buildings.

The main building offers 341,000 square ft. of rentable space. The former psychiatric centre is 35,000 sq. ft. The former library building is 8,000 sq. ft. The building owned by SaskPower, at 31,000 sq. ft., sits on land leased until 2011.

Souris Valley Extended Care Centre provides long term care for about 150 residents head offices for the South Central Health District, and about 10 psychiatric patients.

Tenants include the Weyburn and Area Council on Child Abuse, using almost 4,000 sq. ft; Weyburn Early Childhood Intervention Program, 3,200 sq. ft; Souris Valley Child Care, 6,400 sq. ft.; and The Family Place is in 2,600 sq. ft.

A portion of the site is leased to the Weyburn Natural History Society for nature trails. The City of Weyburn holds a month-to-month lease for an historical marker and a tree nursery holds a lease that expires in 2017. All of the roads are paved and parking is available for 300 vehicles.