The South Country could be getting its own arena and curling rink.
The Sand Creek Community Club has just been awarded a $20,000 Community Gaming Grant, to be put towards a feasibility study to determine whether or not to build the facilities.
The comprehensive feasibility study, expected to take three to four months, will look at a number of different factors to determine whether the area can support a new arena and curling rink. Population growth projections, capital and operating costs, community support and possible locations are among the considerations that will be explored during the process.
Extensive consultations, including open town hall meetings, involving various local organizations, local government officials, the school district, business leaders, other interest groups and residents will contribute to the final report.
Government gaming grants benefit local communities by allowing eligible organizations to apply for gaming revenues that support a broad range of local programs and services.
Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister, Bill Bennett, made the announcement last week.
"I look forward to the conclusions of the feasibility study,” he said. “This is exactly how these processes should work - by engaging with the very people who will utilize and benefit from the project. I know just how popular sports like hockey and curling are in the area, but ultimately it will be up to the community to decide if this is the right project."