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Nelson seeks money for Civic Arena

A recreation co-ordinator position has also been created to address ongoing issues with the aging facility.
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The city has applied to the Canada 150 Fund for financial assistance in needed renovations to the Civic Centre arena.

Nelson city council approved a proposal Monday for a submission to the Canada 150 Fund as a way to cover the costs of renovations at the aging Civic Arena.

If successful, the grant, which is handed out to recreation projects, would cover $340,000 of the $680,500 needed to replace the 81-year-old arena's roof, update electrical and lighting systems, disinfect areas affected by mould, add insurance against future moisture damage and repair damaged bleachers.

The remaining money needed would be covered by additional grant applications and reserve funds.

The arena's most recent renos in October removed lead painting and added parking space, but also resulted in closing off parts off the arena with poor air quality.

Meanwhile, the Nelson and District Recreation Commission approved the creation of a recreation co-ordinator position Tuesday.

The position is a one-year contract that will pay $70,000 for the remainder of the year, although the actual salary is $56,000. The person will be responsible for handling several ongoing issues including a study of the Civic Arena's feasibility, connecting with various sports organizations and reviewing existing policies such as priority ice bookings.

The position had initially been planned as a two-year contract. It's expected the commission will review the role after the term is completed.

A decision on whether to create a task force made up of city, regional and sports groups representatives, who would review and discuss recreation issues, was deferred to the rec commission's next meeting.



Tyler Harper

About the Author: Tyler Harper

I’m editor-reporter at the Nelson Star, where I’ve worked since 2015.
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