Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks has announced the approval of federal infrastructure grant applications for the North Shore Hall, Glacier Gymnastics, Nelson Legion, and Kaslo Community Forest Society.
“I’m happy to be here today on behalf of [Western Diversification] Minister Michelle Rempel,” Wilks said Thursday, explaining the grants came from the Canada 150 federal infrastructure fund.
“That’s $150 million spent from coast to coast to coast over a two-year period, and this year a significant portion of that money is being provided to the province of BC.”
On hand for the announcement at the North Shore Hall was RDCK chair Karen Hamling and Area F director Tom Newell, as well as members of Nelson Search and Rescue, who use the building, and a representative from Glacier Gymnastics.
Wilks told the crowd he was thrilled to make the announcement, which came an hour after the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Ward Street Place.
Shortly afterward, Wilks was expected in Kaslo, as he rushed to make the funding announcements before the writ was dropped for the federal election on Sunday.
“I was able to speak to the minister last week, and I said ‘it’d be nice to get some stuff in the Nelson, Kaslo, Salmo area if you can help me out,” he said.
That resulted in four grants being approved: $145,775 for the RDCK-owned North Shore Hall, $25,000 for Glacier Gymnastics and $24,600 for the Nelson Legion.
The roof of the Nelson Legion’s heritage building will be replaced, the gymnastics facility in the Civic Centre will continue their upgrades and the North Shore Hall will receive further upgrades.
In Kaslo, Wilks announced $40,000 will be going to the Kaslo and District Community Forestry Society to rehabilitate the Earl Grey Trail between Argenta and Invermere.
“I look forward to returning in the future to see the finished products,” said Wilks.