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By Pete McIntyre

Rink project gets an assist from local government

Feb 26, 2020 | 10:19 AM

The Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) board has approved a grant of $50,000 for the community drive to put a roof over the Falkland skating rink.

The roof upgrade will increase the length of the skating season for the public and also provide the Falkland and District Community Association the ability to hold events at the covered facility.

The rink is located on a community-owned parcel of land adjacent to the Falkland Stampede Grounds.

The CSRD director for that area, Rene Talbot (Area D), who put forward the funding request, said a covered facility can be used year-round for things like farmers’ markets, the Falkland Stampede dance, and ball hockey.

The total project cost is estimated at $180,000 and the association behind the drive hopes to have the project complete before the May long weekend.

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The community launched a Kraft Hockeyville bid earlier this year to raise the funding.

The funding is coming from the Electoral Area D Community Works Fund, which utilizes Gas Tax funding. The Falkland and District Community Association is eligible for funding from that source because it is a non-profit group and the project is for public use. Public skating is free for users.

by Pete McIntyre
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