The North Cariboo Multi-Centre is one step closer to reality after the Northern Development Initiative Trust announced that the Cariboo Regional District (CRD) has been approved for a $2 million grant and a $2 million loan to go towards construction of the facility. The funds are approved in principle, conditional on the CRD and City of Quesnel securing the balance of funding needed from other sources, such as senior levels of government.
The $2 million grant comes from the North Cariboo Allocation of the Cariboo- Chilcotin/Lillooet Regional Development account and could be used to reduce the amount local taxpayers will have to provide to pay for construction. The $2 million loan would count as part of the $15 million local voters approved borrowing in the November 2008 referendum.
"Northern Development is supporting Quesnel's efforts to acquire the funding to build the Multi-Centre and increase sports and cultural tourism revenues in the North Cariboo economy," said Evan Saugstad, Chair of the Northern Development Initiative Trust.
"We would like to thank the board of the Northern Development Trust for supporting this important project for our North Cariboo Residents," said CRD Chair Al Richmond. "Our collaboration with Quesnel City Council, in lobbying senior levels of government to secure funding for the Multi-Centre is just one more example of what can be accomplished when local governments work together. Our collective voice is being heard and through these efforts we will continue building communities together."
"This is exciting news, a catalyst for more great things to come as we take another step towards making this long planned project a reality," added Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom. "From the City's perspective, we've developed a great partnership with the CRD, who have made the Multi-Centre their top-priority capital project. Combine that with working with our friends on the Northern Development Initiative Trust Board, and its rewarding for the entire community."
The City and CRD will work with Northern Development staff and the District of Wells to develop a sustainability plan for the North Cariboo Allocation of the Northern Development Initiative Trust. The long-term goal would be to replenish the North Cariboo allocation through investment interest and other sources.
The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace aging infrastructure. It features a 1,600 NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly space.
For further details, contact:
Cariboo Regional District
Shelly Burich
Manager of Communications
T: 250-392-3351
Toll Free: 1-800-665-1636
sburich@cariboord.bc.ca
www.cariboord.bc.ca
Northern Development Initiative Trust
Janine North
Chief Executive Officer
T: 250-561-2525
info@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
www.northerndevelopment.bc.ca
City of Quesnel
Matt Wood
Communications Supervisor
T: 250-991-7475
mwood@quesnel.ca
www.quesnel.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment