Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin MLA Mike Dawson has announced the creation of the Greater Miramichi Community Arenas Association to advocate for five arenas in the region that he worries will be closed after the city’s multiplex is built.

Dawson said he will not support the multiplex project if it threatens the viability and long-term support and funding for local community arenas.

Dawson and his constituents have raised concerns that Southwest Miramichi-Bay du Vin residents will face tax hikes in order to support the new multiplex being built in the city. Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordon says the multiplex will not result in higher taxes, or rinks outside the city being closed.