News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

The City of Williams Lake and the Cariboo Regional District Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services financial plan has been amended to allow implementation of the revised capital plan for the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex (CMRC) which utilizes $240,000 of the funds set aside for the now cancelled Marie Sharpe Community Connections Program to fund priority capital projects. 

At the May 19, 2010 Central Cariboo Joint Meeting a report was presented which outlined the cancellation of the Marie Sharpe Community Connections program for which $450,000 had already been set aside, with plans for another $150,000 in each of 2011 and 2012. The Marie Sharpe project was a partnership with School District No. 27 to create a high school-sized, community access gymnasium when the school was rebuilt by the School District. 

“Although we were not in the position to move forward with the Marie Sharpe project, I am pleased that the Central Cariboo Joint committee agreed to move ahead with some of the other capital projects at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex,” stated CRD Area E Director and Central Cariboo Co-Chair Steve Mazur. “And the best part about these projects is that the renovations will show some good energy efficiencies while allowing us to continue providing quality services and facilities in a cost-efficient manner.” 

In the report was a recommendation to amend the Central Cariboo Recreation and Leisure Services financial plan to reflect additional capital projects as well as reduce the planned amount being removed from Capital Reserves for the replacement of the pool boilers in the CMRC. 

“Recreation facilities are major contributors of Green House Gases due to the significant cooling and heating required,” says Central Cariboo Co-Chair and Williams Lake Mayor Kerry Cook. “The improvements being undertaken at the CMRC will help to reduce our carbon footprint and energy costs by ensuring the facility operates as efficiently as possible.” 

The CMRC Capital Plan for 2010 was updated to include the following projects; 

• Pool Dehumidification System - approximately $60,000

The dehumidification system for the pool has not functioned for over 10 years.  There are significant heat recovery opportunities, which could significantly decrease the energy usage and Green House Gases pools produce. 

• Rink 2 Entrance - approximately $150,000

Current access to the rink area is very difficult for anyone with limited mobility or a disability.  In addition, the Rink 2 entrance doors open directly outside which makes heating the arena lobby difficult during the winter.  The renovation would close in the exterior alcove between the current Rink 2 entrance, office space and change room areas.  Automatic sliding doors would be installed to make this entrance fully accessible and energy efficient, as well as improving access to office and change room areas. 

• Pool lighting - approximately $30,000

Current lighting in the pool area and pool tank is insufficient and inefficient. Continual failure of this equipment has been costly and upgrading lighting would ensure regulatory standards are met and considerably reduce energy consumption. 

These three projects total approximately $240,000. The funds that had previously been allocated from capital reserves for the Marie Sharpe project will now be used to undertake these renovations and improvements.  The joint committee also agreed to use the funding to support construction of the Williams Lake Bike Park underway in Boitanio Park with a $45,000 contribution to the Williams Lake Cycling Club.

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