Lake Country Mayor and Council along with MP Stephen Fuhr participated in the ground breaking for a Multi-Generational Activity Centre (MAC) Wednesday.
The District of Lake Country has received $5.5 million in funding through the Federal Gas Tax Fund as administered by the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) for this project - in addition to $500,000 from the Province of BC through the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund.
The innovative purpose-built, flexible community facility will provide a centrally-located place for the Lake Country Boys and Girls Club and sustainable community activity programming for the growing municipality. The project consists of a new two storey multi-functional building (the MAC) as well as renovations to the Winfield Arena and Seniors Centre.
The improvements will serve to better integrate the distinct spaces contributing to a vibrant healthy community. The MAC will include daycare spaces with outdoor play areas, youth activity spaces, washrooms, office, reception, tech lab, maker lab, art studio and kitchen, plus parking. Additionally, renovations are planned for the existing Seniors Centre and Winfield Arena to address accessibility issues and create dynamic places for people to gather, socialize and participate in recreational activities.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $7 million, with the District of Lake Country contributing $1 million, the Federal Gas Tax Fund contributing $5.5 million, the Childcare BC New Spaces Fund contributing $500,000. This project supports the federal program’s national objectives of productivity and economic growth, a clean environment and strong cities and communities. The UBCM administers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament, on behalf of The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“I am very pleased to see federal Gas Tax Fund dollars supporting dynamic community-driven recreational facilities like MAC in Lake Country. Investing in local infrastructure helps build safe inclusive community spaces that residents and families can enjoy for generations to come.”
Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna—Lake Country
“In 2015, our Government made a commitment to ensure that promised infrastructure investments in communities would be delivered. I am pleased that we have been able to support projects like Lake Country’s Multi-generational Activity Centre and that, in addition to the initial federal contribution of $5 million, an additional $575,000 is being committed as a result of Budget 2019’s infrastructure funding top-up to municipalities. By investing in local roads, public transit, energy systems, water treatment facilities and recreational spaces we are making our communities better places to live now and into the future.”
Selina Robinson, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“Investing in infrastructure is investing in people, and our government is committed to improving the services people count on. The multi-generational activity centre will be a great community hub for families, youth and seniors, offering recreational and cultural opportunities that will make life better for people in Lake Country.”
Councillor Arjun Singh, President, Union of BC Municipalities
“As BC communities grow, local infrastructure is adapting to the changing needs of our residents. Today’s groundbreak provides a big step towards the completion of Lake Country’s new multi-generational centre and the wide range of services it will provide for the community. I am very pleased to see financial support provided to this project through the federal Gas Tax Fund.
Mayor James Baker, Lake Country
“Lake Country is a quickly growing community and finding child care has been difficult for many local families. Partnering with organizations such as the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and fully benefitting from any senior level government funding grants are what make initiatives like this happen faster to meet our community’s needs. This project is vital to advancing Lake Country’s long-term goals and vision of our vibrant, healthy community by supporting the interaction of citizens, local arts and cultural initiatives; and helping to become a more accessible, age-friendly community through strategic and sustainable recreational infrastructure investment. We are grateful for the investment and leadership provided by the Government of Canada through the Gas Tax Fund.”