The North Thompson Sportsplex in Clearwater is receiving $400,000 from the provincial government for dressing room expansion.
The money is coming from the province's Community Recreation Program, which provides 80 per cent funding. Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong announced the grant last Saturday in Kamloops.
"By increasing the availability of recreational spaces and providing opportunities for people of all ages to participate in physical activity, the program helps strengthen communities and makes them more attractive to families while building the local economy," Chong said.
"Getting out and being active enables British Columbians to enjoy better health, build stronger community connections and enjoy the many amenities this great province has to offer."
The Sportsplex is an integral part of the Clearwater and area community, the hub of activities such as hockey, figure skating, curling and many other events. The project scope includes constructing washrooms. Installing overhead doors, drywall, T-bar ceiling, electric hand dryers, cabinets, vanities and HVAC system.
Also announced were four other area projects that will receive funding through the program:
• Barriere Community Recreation Project - $238,680. The money will be used to construct an addition to the Agriplex building and upgrade the curling facility. The current curling facility is old and needs upgrades to the ice-making equipment to keep the facility operating and to ensure continued curling opportunities for the community.
The Agriplex addition will see the construction of an addition to the new 2,787 square-meter (30,000 sq. ft.) building that will house washrooms, change rooms with showers, office space and public lobby space. Telescopic bleachers will also be installed in the arena.
A completed Agriplex will enable Barriere to host large events such as the community's popular fall fair in addition to horseback riding, BMX biking, rodeo events, indoor walking and other activities.
• Sun Peaks Community Recreation Centre Phase 1 - $400,000. Phase 1 will build a multi-sport facility with the flexibility to function as a covered ice arena during the winter months, as well as an indoor field for multiple sports during the spring, summer and fall seasons.
• Chase Memorial Park Wharf Rebuild Project - $365,600
• Kamloops Lorne Street Corridor Enhancement Project - $250,000
"The Community Recreation Program, which provides up to 80 per cent of funding for recreation infrastructure projects, helps build vibrant communities where residents can thrive," said Terry Lake, Kamloops-North Thompson MLA.
"We know many British Columbians love to be active, and increasing the overall recreation infrastructure in this province will give people greater access to a broad range of potential activities."