B.C.'s Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone is in Hazelton Wednesday to make an announcement on funding for the Heart of the Hazeltons.
Heart of the Hazeltons had been fundraising to create an Upper Skeena Recreation Centre for several years. It wants to raise $16 million for capital expenses plus $2 million for an operational reserve.
According to Heart of the Hazeltons, the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine, Village of Hazelton, and District of New Hazelton have already committed over $2 million towards this goal. The Gitxsan Government Commission contributed $500,000, and the Gitxsan Hereditary Chiefs have committed over $350,000. Millions more have also been raised from donors, including $1 million from TransCanada.
Heart of the Hazeltons hoped to complete a new multi-use recreation centre by fall 2018 with the help of $10 million from the Gas Tax Agreement's Strategic Priorities Fund.
The 44-year-old Ken Trombley Memorial Arena was condemned in March 2015 after the roof was deemed unsafe. The roof was taken off for the next season, creating beautiful views on an now-outdoor rink, but greatly shortening the skating season.
Wednesday's funding announcement will be made at the rink on Highway 62 at 9:30 a.m.
