As part of ongoing community rebuilding effort, the Province is providing $2.4 million to expand a recreation centre in Burns Lake that will create jobs and support healthy family activities.

Lakes District Multi-Sport Facility Expansion and Healthy Living Project is a 10,000 square foot building that will join the existing curling rink and arena, and contain a squash court, climbing wall, children's indoor-play area, workout gym, physical-therapy area and multi-use area.

Of the total project cost of $3 million, the Province will provide $2.4 million, with the remainder coming from the Village of Burns Lake ($392,000), Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako ($113,000), Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society ($40,000), Northern Development ($60,000), and further fundraising.

Construction of the project is expected to start in October/November 2012, and be completed in March 2015.

Since the Babine Forest Products mill accident, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell and ministry staff having been working with local MLA John Rustad, mayor and council, the Regional District of Bulkley Nechako, First Nations chiefs, union leaders and industry representatives to help the community recover as quickly as possible.

The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation established a cross-ministry leadership group that is co-ordinating the provincial government's response and recovery efforts.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell -

"This project is a worthy investment because it will create jobs and will benefit the community for years to come. Indoor recreation facilities such as this are perfect places to spend time with family staying active, especially during the winter months here in northern B.C."

Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development Ida Chong -

"Recreation centres are often the hub of smaller communities like Burns Lake. They provide valuable opportunities for people to get involved in activities that promote physical fitness and strengthen community ties."

"It's a priority for the Province to promote healthy choices for B.C. families by supporting communities in their efforts to build or upgrade recreation infrastructure."

Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad -

"As we've seen throughout this rebuilding process, Burn Lake is a community that comes together during a time of crisis. This centre will provide an excellent gathering place for families to enjoy and continue strengthening connections with friends and neighbours."

Burns Lake Mayor Luke Strimbold -

"Expansion of our arena and curling rink to create a new Lakes District Multi-sport Facility will be a great addition to Burns Lake. This expansion and healthy living project will create opportunities for training and coaching, accommodate health-care sessions and services, provide community meeting space, development of new recreation programs and improving current programs, as well as provide a venue for all community groups to utilize."

"This project represents another example of all areas of government working together to support the Village of Burns Lake."

Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako chair Bill Miller -

"The Province recognizing the opportunity to add to the efforts of our local community will give energy to all of us. The whole region benefits when we come together to make these infrastructure investments in our communities."

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104