The Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) is one step closer to creating a new community centre for its members.
The SIB received a $400,000 grant from the province last Saturday to help build a new environmentally sustainable community and cultural complex for residents.
Community Services Minister Ida Chong presented the money from the Towns for Tomorrow program to the SIB while she was on the Coast attending numerous events.
According to a news release from the province, the community cultural centre will provide a new indoor space for community and cultural gatherings and celebrations and include day-care facilities, a gymnasium, an exercise and dance room, as well as youth/seniors lounges and a community meeting room.
The facility will maximize energy efficiency. Materials will be purchased within 500 kilometres of the community, including hand-milled lumber. It will use natural light and ventilation and will retain all rainwater on site. The building will also be centrally located to reduce vehicle use.
"This new cultural and recreation centre is important for all of us in the community," said Chief Garry Feschuk. "It will provide us with an excellent space for education and cultural opportunities, especially for our youth. I am really pleased that the province sees the value in supporting this community facility."
Feschuk said the SIB's goal is to break ground for the centre sometime later this year.
The Towns for Tomorrow program is providing $21 million over three years to assist communities with a population of 5,000 or less with community infrastructure improvements. Under the program's cost-sharing formula, the province will provide up to 80 per cent of eligible costs for projects up to $500,000.
"This funding will support the Sechelt Nation to provide even more services to their community members by making the community a better place to live," Chong said. "As part of our New Relationship with Aboriginal people we are supporting initiatives that build First Nation communities."
