More provincial funding for the Falher Regional Recreation Complex is expected by the Town of Falher. Recently the seating structure for the arena was installed with the total cost of this project amounted to $140,000. “The town anticipates receiving funding for 50 per cent of the total cost from an Alberta Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture – Major Community Facilities Program,” says Gerard Nicolet, town administrator. “Along with the seating system, the town has applied for funding for the construction of a new curling rink building, installation of an elevator in the complex foyer and a wheelchair lift for the arena bleachers.” With the assistance of over 25 volunteers, the arena seating system was completed on December 10, 2007. Volunteers donated a total of 650 work hours in a one-week period to construct the new bleachers. Under the direction of Bill Miller, project manager for Canadian Arena Products, volunteers did an excellent job with the installation of this phase of the Falher Regional Recreation Complex, says Nicolet. This aluminium decking and seating system accommodates a total of 600 seats for hockey and other arena events. Falher council thanks all volunteers who contributed towards the completion of this project. Seeking $1 million Falher Recreation Development Society is seeking a further $1 million to enhance the facility, with $500,000 from the grant, $200,000 from the Town of Falher, $150,000 from the recreation society, $110,000 from the Municipal District of Smoky River, $30,000 from funding donations, and $10,000 from donated labour. For the second phase, the recreation society plans to erect the new pre-fabricated curling rink building at $510,000, install a sprinkler system and upgrade a refrigeration system at $390,000, and install an elevator to the curling rink upper floor (which is required by regulations) estimated at $100,000. These components of the project were eliminated in the first stage because of a lack of funding. The curling rink building was purchased by the Town of Falher last year and is stored in a local building. Without a sprinkler system, the main arena can be used for no more than two non-sporting events a year, under standard fire regulations.