An over $4 million recreation facility could be in the works for the Columbia Valley.
The ?akisq’nuk First Nation is seeking $400,000 from the Regional District of East Kootenay for a new Rec and Sports Centre proposed near Windermere.
CAO Shawn Tomlin says the RDEK board is considering funding the request.
“I think they saw it as an opportunity to increase the recreational amenities available in the area,” Tomlin says. “They saw that as reasonable to consider, providing some taxation money as funding towards it.”
Tomlin says the Directors see value in more resources for basketball or indoor soccer.
He says the Regional District can provide the funds, if directors want to give their support.
“Any grant provided would result an increase in the taxation for the Columbia Valley recreation service,” Tomlin says. “The means is there to collect the funds, but that’s not that they are sitting in a reserve on hand waiting for a project.”
Tomlin expects discussions with ?akisq’nuk will continue in 2018.
The Regional District also plans to have Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft and Radium Mayor Clara Reinhardt participate on the design committee for the new facility in an advisory capacity.
(Photo of the ?akisq’nuk First Nation band office, provided by Lisa Kraig with the ?akisq’nuk First Nation)
– RDEK CAO, Shawn Tomlin
