Victoria gives $4 million for North-Cariboo Multicentre

Courtesy of the Government of BC:

Update from the Rush here

The Province is providing $4 million for a new recreation and cultural centre in Quesnel that will create jobs and support healthy family activities.

The North Cariboo Multi-Centre project includes a 1,600-seat arena, 450-seat theatre, and accompanying event and assembly space. While each component has a specific use, they can also be combined with one another to ensure flexibility in hosting larger events such as conferences and trade shows. The arena and theatre also encourage participation in physical activity and healthy lifestyles in the North Cariboo.

Of the total project cost of $30 million, the Province will provide $4 million with the remaining committed funds coming from Cariboo Regional District/City of Quesnel ($15 million) and the Northern Development Initiative Trust ($2 million). The Province’s investment provides significant leverage for the CRD and City as they pursue further fundraising. A fundraising committee has been established to promote the economic benefits of the facility such as attraction and retention of people to the North Cariboo region, sport and event tourism and job creation.

The Cariboo Regional District and City of Quesnel intend to maximize wood use in the facility and have targeted the project for completion in September 2014.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell –

“Our government’s primary objective is to create jobs and if there are additional benefits that build a healthy community, it’s an added bonus. It’s clear that this project does both.”

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong –

“Promoting healthy, safe physical activity is a priority for our Province. We are pleased to provide funding to Quesnel for such a significant project – this recreational and cultural centre will be a tremendous asset to the people of this area, helping to make more opportunities for involvement available to a wide range of people.”

Cariboo – Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett –

“For the Province to contribute is a major stepping stone for the North Cariboo Multi-Centre project. The community will benefit economically and this will help promote healthy lifestyles. The updated facility will also help lower operational costs. It's great that the Province has been committing to rural communities and affirming our importance.”

Northern Development Initiative Trust Chair Evan Saugstad –

"Northern Development is committed to working with communities to build a stronger north. The North Cariboo Multi-Centre project will attract new residents to the communities of the North Cariboo, generate substantial economic activity and tourism revenues, and serves as an excellent example of what can be accomplished through strong partnerships".

Cariboo Regional District Board Chair Al Richmond –

“The Cariboo Regional District believes in investing in communities and supporting the athletic and artistic elements of the Cariboo. It helps us improve the amenities our current residents enjoy while helping us attract new business ventures and residents.”

Quesnel Mayor Mary Sjostrom –

“Quesnel is already an excellent place to raise a family, but the Multi-Centre will bring our community to a whole new level of liveability. This investment is a welcome boost as we continue to enhance and develop partnerships while working towards making this community’s dream a reality.”

To learn more:

http://www.quesnel.ca/
http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Cariboo-Multi-Centre-Fundraising/347134661982704

Editor's Note - although $4 million is great for this project, another $9 million is still necessary to make this project a full reality before the taxpayer commitment of $15 million in November of 2013 expires for this project.  In fact, Bob Simpson spoke to this today on Facebook by stating:

"The Provincial Govt's $4million contribution to the Quesnel Mulit-Centre is a welcome addition to the fundraising drive that's been going on for a few years now. If the Federal Govt matches that then we're getting pretty close. I'll work with Quesnel Mayor and Council and the Northern Directors of the CRD (Cariboo Regional District) to see what we can do to get more from the Northern Trust (NDIT) than what's currently assigned.

Big Kudos to all those who haven't given up hope we can have a new Multi-Centre for Quesnel despite the economic downturn that set in as the plans came into place for this new complex."

Meanwhile - CRD Area 'B' Heloise Dixon-Warren stated on her Facebook page:

"Today at 1 pm the Province of British Columbia announced a contribution of $4,000,000 towards the proposed North Cariboo Multi-Centre. I will follow up with some additional information on the referendum held in Nov. 2008 for the Cariboo Regional District / City of Quesnel to borrow upwards of $15,000,000 if $15,000,000 is secured. Currently, $6,000,000 has been secured... $4,000,000 from the province and $2,000,000 through Northern Development Initiative Trust. Another $9,000,000 will need to be secured prior to Nov. 2013 for the project proceeding."