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Fernie to Get $426,500 Expo Legacy Funding - The Free Press Turns 115 Years Old

Fernie to Get $426,500 Expo Legacy Funding - The Free Press Turns 115 Years Old

July 23 1986

Free Press Files

A group of 1987 Winter Games directors and staff who gathered in the City of Fernie council chambers Friday afternoon applauded MLA Terry Segarty’s announcement that the city would receive funds for upgrading some of its facilities.

On behalf of the Expo Legacy Committee of Cabinet, Mr. Segarty announced that the city would receive $426,500 in funding to help upgrade the arena, curling club and community centre.

Included in the work planned are an improved ice-making system. The system in use at present cannot provide adequate ice conditions for the curling rink and the arena at the same time. Other improvements being considered are the upgrading of change rooms and washrooms, the addition of four dressing rooms and the addition of a club room at the arena for use of all groups.

Mr. Segarty said “these recreational improvements will benefit many residents and tourists in the Elk Valley, including the communities of Elkford and Sparwood. Recreational opportunities are an important factor in developing tourism, and the Elk Valley as a whole stands to benefit from economic activity as a result of increased tourism created by Expo 86”

The City of Fernie officially applied for the funding June 18 and Mr. Segarty announced the figure improvement on July 18. Noting this Mr. Segarty said that the city’s application for funding was detailed and explicit and was therefore, capable of being processed quickly.

In expressing his appreciation for assistance with funding, Mayor Tiny Shatosky particularly thanked Mr. Sagarty. “You really went to the bat for us”.

The Expo Legacy grant funds one third of the amount applied for. Mayor Shatosky said “ Any amount that is needed over and above the $426,500, we can raise.”

It is anticipated that work on the project will commence soon. Mayor Shatosky noted that there is some urgency since Winter Games are just seven months away

For more great stories that ran in The Free Press in the past 115 years http://issuu.com/thefreepress/docs/115_the_free_press/1