Costs for the proposed Hazelton Rec Centre have increased by over 4 million dollars from the original 15 million estimate.
That’s 2 million dollars in rough estimates ahead of construction, and another 2.4 million for operational costs, according to owners committee member for the rec centre Paul Newbery.
“we’ve got a number of sources that have said this is a great project, ‘we’re behind it. Our interest is in program development’…once the philanthropists and the governments are aware that we have a project and we’re beyond the conceptual stages, the funding will flow a little more easily.”
He says they’re waiting from the province and the feds for two thirds of the original 15 million dollar estimate.
Newbery says through public consultation they’ve learned a lot about what the community is looking for.
“With the interest of First Nations People with the recovery of their language…the whole aspect of cultural recovery and strengthening needs to be a part of the whole program,” says Newbery.
Transportation along the highway and recreation programs at the centre for all ages are also part of some of the public feedback collected.
“We need to give some serious though as to how all of that can happen.”
The meetings are at the New District Hazelton Meeting Centre from 5:30 to 8 p.m. tonight (MON), and at The St. Peters Anglican Church Hall tomorrow(TUES)from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
All are invited.