In 2009, Canim Lake Indian Band received a $30,000 grant from Northern Development through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program towards this $391,644 project. This has been a funding partnership of Canim Lake Indian Band, Northern Development, Canim Lake Band, and Western Economic Diversification
2012-Canim Lake, which is located 35km east of 100 Mile House expanded the Canim Lake Indian Band gymnasium by 1,500 square feet in 2009 with partial funding support from the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities funding program. By expanding the facility, the Band was able to add an area for cardio equipment, strength equipment, male and female washrooms, a child-care area, and an office area for staff.
The improved facility promotes a healthy lifestyle for community members by providing them with the tools and opportunity to implement physical activity into their daily routines. It also gives local athletes greater training opportunities.
The Band is very dedicated to the health and well-being of the community and has put a tremendous amount of effort and financial support into this project.
"The new fitness facility has proven to be an extremely successful project that was made a reality when Northern Development provided the Canim Lake Indian Band with a $30,000 grant. This facility has provided many opportunities for our community members. With the increased number of memberships, fitness classes, and summer camps that we hold, the gym is constantly busy."
Tish Diamond, Recreation Coordinator, Canim Lake Indian BandBy increasing the size of the facility, the Canim Lake Band can now hold larger events within the facility and increase foot traffic. Prior to the expansion, the Band was running two fitness classes per week in the gymnasium that included local participants as well as participants from surrounding areas such as Forest Grove, Eagle Creek, and Hawkins Lake.
With the expansion, the capacity of these classes has grown. This project created full-time and seasonal jobs as well as five temporary construction jobs that helped the economy of Canim Lake by keeping more residents working in the community.