An approved grant application is looking to secure not only a new floor for the Pemberton Community Barn but a portable ice rink as well.
In communication and grants coordinator Vinka Hutchinson’s report, she stressed that the barn requires a “much-needed upgrade” in the form of a new concrete surface.
“Staff have opted to pursue concrete for this project as it was identified as the preferred surface during the Downtown Enhancement Project. Also, from a public works perspective, a concrete surface would be a lot easier to keep clean and tidy,” she said during the meeting.
The application to the federal Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI) will also request funds for the purchase and installation of a portable 27.4-by-13.7-metre portable ice rink, including chillers and liners. Though planned primarily for use at the barn, the rink could be set up elsewhere.
CHCI funding would cover $250,000 of the estimated $329,000 cost. Hutchinson’s report requests that council tap into the VOP’s COVID-19 Safe Restart Grant for Local Governments to cover the remainder, though with a “healthy” contingency, according to Gilmore, it is likely that VOP funding will not need to be utilized in any significant way.
Coun. Ryan Zant was especially excited to see the application.
“I really hope we get this grant. I think it would be huge for our community,” he said. “An ice rink has been on the list for a long time and I think using it under the barn is a great use of that space.”
