Recently approved funding from Northern Development will help to assist the Dawson Creek Exhibition with their grandstand repair project.
Northern Development Initiative Trust has approved a $30,000 grant to the City of Dawson Creek in an effort to support renovations for the exhibition ground’s grandstand.
Over the past few years, the grandstand located at the Dawson Creek Exhibition Grounds has fallen into a state of disrepair, deeming it unsafe for public use. The exhibition ground’s grandstand provides the best seats in the house for numerous annual events, such as the Dawson Creek Fall Fair, agricultural fairs and rodeos.
In an effort to restore the exhibition ground’s main venue, the City of Dawson Creek has conducted a complete overhaul of the grandstand. The grandstand renovations include the removal of all existing wood components, repairs to the structural steel, as well as seating, walkway and stair replacements. With more than 10 events in 2014 that required the use of the grandstand, Dawson Creek has and will continue to feel positive economic impacts with the grandstand back in action.
Funding for the exhibition grounds grandstand repair project was provided through Northern Development’s Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program. The Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program provides municipalities, regional districts, First Nations bands and registered non-profit organizations with up to 50% of a project’s budget to a maximum of $30,000 in funding to improve or expand existing facilities in order to increase the number of events held annually in the community, contributing to service sector revenues in the local economy.
Quotes
“Dawson Creek’s Exhibition is one of the most popular events of the year for our community” said City of Dawson Creek Mayor Dale Bumstead. “We pride ourselves on providing world class entertainment for the visitors and competitors from all over North America. The structural stability of the grandstands had deteriorated jeopardizing the safety of patrons. The structural frame was intact but the sheeting material connecting the stands required immediate replacement. Northern Development provided funding to assist in repairing the grandstands with their grant program. With great thanks to Northern Development the greatest show in the Peace will continue to amaze and delight guests and citizens of the north.”
“The Exhibition Association has a long standing place in our B.C./Alberta, Peace River, and Western Heritage.” said Connie Patterson, President, Dawson Creek Exhibition Association. “When the grandstand fell into disrepair, the Dawson Creek Exhibition Association just did not have the funds to cover the $600,000 worth of new seating. However, with help from Northern Development, we have been able to restore this essential element back to our exhibition grounds and community.”
Quick Facts
• Northern Development has already approved 42 projects through the Community Halls and Recreation Facilities program in 2014, with a combined total funding commitment of $930,461.
• The project’s goal was to renovate the current grandstand to become a safe and secure place so visitors can enjoy all that the exhibition grounds have to offer.
• The Dawson Creek Fall Fair is the most prominent event held at the exhibition grounds and it is deemed an important part of ensuring the community’s quality of life, identity and heritage.
• The City of Dawson Creek has committed funding up to $485,600 towards this proposed project, which equates to 94% of the project’s budget.
Contact
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
250-561-2525
