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Guy–Donnelly Sportex receives $56,000 from federal government
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Members of the Village of Donnelly council, MD of Smoky River council and members of the Guy–Donnelly Sportex Society were handed a cheque for $56,000 from MP Chris Warkentin and MLA Hector Goudreau from the federal government for improvements to the Sportex in Donnelly.
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Emily Plihal
for South Peace News
The Guy–Donnelly Sportex Society has received a financial boost from the federal government to commence renovations on the Sportex in Donnelly.
Thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, the Sportex society now has an additional $56,000 to use for renovations to the structure.
Peace River Member of Parliament Chris Warkentin was at the Sportex on Aug. 26 on behalf of Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification Hon. Lynne Yelich.
He presented the society members with a cheque to be used towards renovations and improvements of the Sportex.
“The Guy–Donnelly Sportex upgrade project is a reflection of our government’s commitment to create jobs and build stronger, healthier communities,” says Warkentin. “The upgraded complex will generate new economic opportunities for the Village of Donnelly and enable the facility to serve our local families for years to come.”
In addition to the $56,000 provided through the RInC program, the province of Alberta investing $17,988 through the Communities Initiatives Program (CIP). The Village of Donnelly has also provided $15,000 and the MD of Smoky River has contributed $3,995.
“Facilities like the Guy-Donnelly Sportex are more than just a place to skate, play hockey or hold a fair – they promote active living and add to the quality of life of communities in the area,” says Alberta Minister of Culture and Community Spirit Lindsay Blackett. “Thank you to everyone involved in this important community project.”
Improvements in the Sportex will include replacing features like the dressing room flooring, lighting, refrigeration plant and furnace, as well as the installation of the environmentally friendly Natural Ice System.
The renovations have been inspired by the desire to provide improved energy efficiency and lighting, reduced noise and lower operating costs.
“I was around when the building was built and have seen many events occur at the Sportex,” says MLA Hector Goudreau. “It’s great to see the community still using the building for events that benefit the entire region.”
Both Goudreau and Warkentin voiced their appreciation to the Guy–Donnelly Sportex Society for helping to create more jobs in the middle of an economic recession.
“I am very grateful for the federal and provincial grant that has been allocated for improvements at the Guy–Donnelly Sportex,” says Village of Donnelly mayor Charles Doyle.
“The Village of Donnelly is happy to be able to support the Guy–Donnelly Sportex with a $15,000 donation.”
The Sportex has long served Donnelly and surrounding communities as a place to hold recreational activities, convocations, and annual community fairs.
“The Guy–Donnelly Sportex Society is grateful for the federal, provincial, and municipal grants to improve the complex,” says Guy–Donnelly Sportex Society President Vance Yaremko.
“These improvements will make the facility more energy efficient and help local communities to continue using the facility in the future.”
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