Hazelton is finally getting a new arena.
Provincial Transportation Minister Todd Stone made the announcement today for federal and provincial funding of $12 million for the Heart of the Hazeltons and the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre.
“If it weren’t for the collaboration between local governments, first nations, community organizations, the province, the federal government…private donors…this project would not have happened,” said Stone to a crowd of nearly 300 out front of the Kem Trombley Memorial Arena.
Ottawa will be providing $7.8M through the federal gas tax and major infrastructure fund while Victoria will provide $4M.
“The project is still in the detailed design phase. It is expected to go to tender this winter. We want construction to start next year,” said Stone.
The Ken Trombley Memorial Arena, the only one in the Hazelton’s, was condemned in spring of 2015 after the roof was declared unsafe. The roof was then taken off the for the following winter, resulting a significantly shorter season.
The new 5,050 square metre facility will have an ice surface and seating for approximately 500 spectators, a fitness room, a gym, and a community rental space. It will also have spaces for community programming in various areas such as wellness and personal development.
Estimates for the capital project sit at $15.7M with a further 4 million needed for operational costs, equipment and furnishings.
Several community and first nations leaders chimed in at today’s announcement showing their appreciation for the government dollars.
“And the regional district(of Kitimat-Stikine) taking it on to give this whole association some kind of credibility and stability and integrity has made it possible for this kind of money to be entrusted to us,” said Village of Hazelton Mayor Alice Maitland. She also introduced hereditary chief of the Gitxsan Nikat’een Lax Seel, or Frances Sampson.
“I pray that our children will be more open and work together to be the best in this nation,” said Sampson. “We thank you.”
w/ files from Daryl Vandenberg
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