The Max Turyk soccer field in Fernie and the Sparwood Leisure Centre will receive a total of $750,937 from the Ministry of Community, Sport, and Cultural Development's Community Recreation Program to fund projects which will improve recreational infrastructure.
Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett was in Fernie on Monday to make the
announcement to Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano and Sparwood Mayor Lois Halko.
Fernie is receiving $350,937 and Sparwood will get $400,000 from the grants.
Fernie had applied for funding to help to repair the soccer
field while Sparwood will be putting their grant to good use for an energy retrofit at the Sparwood Leisure Centre.
“I’m pleased with how the Community Recreation Program was designed,” said Bennett. “We’re seeing a wide variety of funding applications that all relate back to helping people get out there and fun, often times while supporting environmentally friendly initiatives as well. That’s a great win-win situation for the Elk Valley.”
Who will benefit:
· Fernie – Max Turyk Soccer Field Development - $350,937
o By re-aligning the existing Max Turyk field, there will be space for the construction of an additional regulation-sized soccer field.
o This will result in increased capacity for hosting tournaments and offer green space to community members for many casual recreational activities.
· Sparwood – Sparwood Leisure Centre Energy Retrofit - $400,000
o Replacing the 27-year-old heating system and gas boilers at Sparwood Leisure Centre will reduce GHG emissions by 163 tonnes/year and save the District approximately $49,000/year.
o These savings will be invested in public engagement activities to promote active living.