Quesnel steps up pressure on Ottawa - NC Multicentre

Courtesy of the City of Quesnel:

A new public awareness campaign that has the stamp of approval from the North Cariboo Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee was launched today at the Post Office in downtown Quesnel.

The Multi-Centre Postcard Push is an attempt to rally residents behind the Multi-Centre fundraising cause and to ask for a significant funding contribution from the Government of Canada.

Four sets of postage-paid postcards have been designed. The cards are addressed to one of:
. Prime Minister Stephen Harper
. James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage
. Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification)
. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport)
. Dick Harris, Cariboo-Prince George MP

Residents are urged to pick up and fill in a postcard (or one of each) beginning this Thursday, July 19. Cards are available at:
. City Hall
. The Arts and Recreation Centre
. Multi-Centre booths at the Gold Dust Mall or upcoming Farmers' Markets
. The Quesnel Community and Economic Development Corporation office at 339A Reid St.

People may then post them individually (the postage is free) or drop them off where they picked them up.

"We want to let the federal government know that we are getting closer to our goal every day and that they ought to play a role in Quesnel's development, diversification, livability and sustainability," said Heath Onstine, the North Cariboo Multi-Centre Fundraising Committee Chair. "We need a commitment from them that will generate even greater community-wide interest, which will spur us towards our corporate and community fundraising goals."

To date, funding for the Multi-Centre includes permission to borrow up to $15 million from local taxpayers, a $4 million commitment from the Province of British Columbia, and $2 million from the Northern Development Initiative trust, a total of $21 million. The project has a $30 million budget.

The North Cariboo Multi-Centre will be a modern facility designed to replace a 62-year-old arena and aging theatre infrastructure. It features a 1,600-seat NHL-sized arena, a 450-seat performing arts theatre and accompanying event and assembly space.