The District of Kent celebrated the opening of the new Community Recreation and Cultural Centre on Saturday, offering up free classes and refreshments to guests.
MP Mark Strahl and MLA Laurie Throness were both on hand for the official ribbon cutting of the expanded facility, and both noted the importance of the project to the growth of the community.
"The expansion of these facilities is an indication that our region is becoming more and more attractive to live and raise a family,” said Throness.
"Our government is pleased to have provided funding for the expansion of the Kent Community Recreation and Cultural Centre," said Strahl. "Infrastructure improvement projects such as this build a sense of community spirit, and create jobs and growth across western Canada."
The District of Kent received $250,300 in funding from the federal Western Economic Diversification Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), and $750,000 from the provincial Community Recreation Program towards the cost of the upgrade to the centre. The total project cost is $2,500,000.
At approximately 14,000 sq. ft. (1,300 sq. m) the addition includes a large multi-purpose gymnasium that can accommodate and host a variety of community activities; two multi-purpose rooms with natural light and sound isolation that can accommodate healthy programs identified by the community for the various age groups; a small kitchen incorporated with the multi-purpose rooms that can be used for instructional classes, programs and tournaments; and enhancements to the existing washrooms / change rooms, common area and welcome / administration foyer.
“We are excited that our Community Recreation and Cultural Centre expansion is now completed”, said Mayor John Van Laerhoven. "Already many programs are underway that fulfill the needs and wishes of our citizens; and our children, teens and seniors are becoming more activity engaged. We are optimistic that our new facility will contribute to the overall health of our community by providing the opportunity to recreate in their hometown."
The newly expanded facility enables the District of Kent to create a central family focused hub for community activities, create more opportunities that address gaps, especially with youth, families and seniors; and create more and diverse recreation opportunities that did not exist 12 months ago.
The District of Kent thanked the Fundraising Committee for exceeding its goal of $400,000, helping make this facility expansion possible.