Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Directors voted to support the allocation of 50 per cent of the $1.7 million Whitetooth Ski Hill Legacy Fund towards the proposed indoor aquatic centre in Golden, with the remaining 50 per cent to be used towards the construction of a multi-use outdoor sport space adjacent to the Mount 7 Rec Plex.
In addition, the Board also supported a $550,000 allocation of Economic Opportunity Funds (EOF) for 2022 and an annual allocation of $325,000 from the Golden and Electoral Area A EOF for both 2023 and 2024, to be utilized towards the construction of a new indoor aquatic centre for Golden and Electoral Area A.
The Board also supported the allocation of $250,000 from the EOF for 2022 to be used for the construction of the recreation space next to the Mount 7 Rec Plex.
Final allocation of the funds now rests with the Town of Golden Council, as their approval is required before the funding plans are approved. Town Council will meet June 7 to decide whether they will support the recommendations already endorsed by the CSRD.
If approved, CSRD is conditionally committing more than $2.5 million towards the construction of the new facility. It is hoped this substantial funding pledge for the indoor aquatic centre will assist with obtaining grants from other levels of government. Often these grant applications will require a financial contribution from the local government to qualify.
The funding allocation for the indoor aquatic centre is entirely contingent on a referendum in favour of the project. The assent vote is planned for October 15, 2022, in conjunction with the Local Government elections.
