Dawson Creek has been approved for $250,000 in grant funding to upgrade the ice plants at its Memorial and Kin arenas
Dawson Creek is readying itself to reap the benefits of tournament and event hosting for years to come thanks in part to help from Northern Development. The Trust’s board of directors recently approved a $250,000 grant to support the replacement of ice plants at Dawson Creek’s Memorial and Kin arenas, which will support the city’s efforts to host more events, including hockey tournaments, curling bonspiels, figure skating competitions, among others. The city’s Memorial and Kin arenas were closed last year due to ammonia contamination in the ice plants, hampering Dawson Creek’s ability to host events that generate economic dividends for local hotels, restaurants and other businesses.
The upgrades mean the city will be in a better position to attract and host major events and tournaments
The upgrades to the Memorial and Kin arenas mean both facilities will re-open this fall. The Trust’s funding will be paired with $2.1 million from the City of Dawson Creek to replace the two ice plants with Freon systems. Upgrades at both arenas could generate as much as $765,000 in increased revenue for the city over the next five years, mostly from ice rentals, floor rentals and various municipal programs. The $250,000 grant from the Trust was approved through its Economic Diversification Infrastructure program, which has previously been used to support a variety of major projects throughout the region including airports, arenas, sports complexes, pools and visitor centres. Please visit our Economic Diversification Infrastructure program page for more information.
Quotes:
“Northern Development is proud to support upgrades to Dawson Creek’s Memorial and Kin arenas. This grant not only ensures the residents of Dawson Creek can continue to enjoy their local facilities, but also it will help the city host future events that generate economic dividends for the community,” said Evan Saugstad, Chair, Northern Development.
“This is another great example of the City of Dawson Creek working in collaboration with our partners (NDIT) to access funding to enhance and further the investment in our infrastructure, moreover, it further creates long term opportunities of our sports and recreation facilities in Dawson Creek for all citizens,” said Dale Bumstead, Mayor, City of Dawson Creek.
“The Northern Development Initiative Trust was created by our government more than 10 years ago with the belief that economic development decisions for the North should be made in the North. This funding is a great example of that philosophy, and ensures these popular facilities will help strengthen the Dawson Creek economy for many years to come,” said Mike Bernier, MLA for Peace River South.
Contact:
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
250-561-2525
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
Barry Reynard
Director of Community Services
City of Dawson Creek
250-784-3600
breynard@dawsoncreek.ca
