The development of a new community centre in the former Dutch Lake School has received further funding thanks to a $50,000 community gaming grant to Yellowhead Community Services (YCS).
“This community centre will strengthen the health and prosperity of those living in and around Clearwater,” said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. “It will be a fully functioning centre that will offer a wide range of activities benefitting the whole community.”
The centre will offer residents a wide range of recreational, cultural, social and educational activities, and be a central hub for community gatherings.
“This grant is an important piece of the funding and will be critical in securing the additional funding we require to complete this valuable project,” said Jack Keough, YCS executive director.
This new community centre will help Clearwater, a community with fewer than 5,000 people within its trading area, maintain its economic pace and deliver much needed services to its citizens.
“We are extremely pleased with this announcement and grateful to our MLA for his efforts in helping us secure this funding,” said Louise Weaver, YCS chairperson.
The community centre will be located in the Dutch Lake Elementary, which has been closed and remained vacant since 2003.
Converting the former school will create jobs both as a result of the Jobs Creation Program and other employment opportunities.
The facility will become a multi-functional centre for local residents, providing access to programs offered by YCS. It also will be a hub for local government services as the District of Clearwater offices will be re-located there.
Community Gaming Grants help local groups provide important services for B.C. families.
Last fiscal year, in 2011/12, the provincial government distributed a total of $135 million in gaming grants for eligible community programs and services.