Vavenby, BC – February 20, 2023 – This Family Day, the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) are celebrating the completion of the Vavenby Outdoor Rink, and are inviting families in the community of Vavenby to enjoy a newly-restored outdoor ice rink at the Vavenby Community Park.
As part of the project worth $201,000, the Vavenby Outdoor Rink was fully renovated in 2022. This project included refinishing the existing concrete base, installing new boards and replacing the nets in the rink. A total of $100,000 in funding has been provided through the Canada Community Building Fund, representing half of the project’s cost. Remaining costs have been covered by the TNRD Electoral Area “A” Community Parks budget.
“Today, we are not just celebrating the completion of any ordinary ice rink; we are celebrating a site that has allowed Vavenby residents to strengthen their social ties, foster active lifestyles, and make lasting memories. After more than 15 years, the Vavenby Outdoor Rink has finally received the upgrades it needs to continue fulfilling its vital role,” said the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “Through the Canada Community-Building Fund, our Government is building healthier and stronger communities across B.C. and Canada.”
The Vavenby Outdoor Rink was installed in 2005, and it is a year-round amenity which serves as a hard-surface sports court outside of the winter months. The outdoor rink is a significant part of the Vavenby Community Park located in Electoral Area “A” of the TNRD. The park includes sheltered picnic tables, a playground, a ball field, grassy expanses, washroom facilities, and the Vavenby Community Hall.
“The improved Vavenby Outdoor Rink is welcomed by the community. Residents have used this outdoor rink and made memories here since the 1990s, and these renovations will ensure that the outdoor rink provides safe and enjoyable recreation for many years to come,” said Usoff Tsao, TNRD Director of Electoral Area “A” (Wells Gray Country). “This project is also a great example of how we all benefit from the Canada Community Building Fund and the partnership between multiple levels of government on this funding source.”
The Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) is a permanent source of funding provided twice per year to provinces and territories, who in turn flow this funding to municipalities and regional districts to support local infrastructure priorities. These local and regional governments select how to best direct the funds to a range of eligible projects. The CCBF is administered in British Columbia by the Union of BC Municipalities.
Media Contact:
Sherri Madden, Community Services Coordinator
Thompson-Nicola Regional District
Tel.: 250 377-8673 (ext. 2391)
Email: smadden@tnrd.ca