Honourable Christy ClarkSeptember 11, 2014
PO Box 9041 StnProvGovt
Victoria, BC V8W 9E1
Dear Premier Clark,
In February 2013, residents of Vanderhoof and the surrounding Electoral Area “F” voted overwhelmingly in support of authorizing our local government to borrow $4 million – to be repaid through our property taxes – to partially finance the construction of an Aquatic Centre in Vanderhoof. That referendum, and the enormous community support in advance of it, was the first step towards our community’s goal of building an aquatic centre. Now, we are looking for monetary support from the Province of B.C. in order to make this goal a reality.
Community members have committed to fundraising $500,000 to contribute to the construction of the Aquatic Centre – no small feat for a town of 4,500 and a surrounding area of 3,000 – but we still require an additional $7.5 million before construction can happen. We are looking to industry and government partners for this portion of the cost and we know that we will not be able to accomplish our goal and break ground without the monetary support of the Province of B.C. I am writing to ask for your support and the support of your governmentfor this project.
I believe that an Aquatic Centre will make Vanderhoof a healthier, more vibrant, and more resilient community. I am requesting your government’s support because I believe that an Aquatic Centre will deliver benefits in three key areas:
- An Aquatic Centre will support recreation, sport, and healthy living in Vanderhoof. Swimming is a unique activity in that it is family-friendly, appropriate for a wide range of ages, and provides diverse opportunities for involvement including casual recreation, exercise, rehabilitation, and sport.
- An Aquatic Centre will create immediate construction jobs as well as permanent recreation jobs for local residents. The permanent jobs will be especially appropriate for youth looking to enter the workforce in Vanderhoof.
- With LNG and mining projects potentially bringing a large workforce to Northern B.C., an Aquatic Centre will attract and retain workers in Vanderhoof. An Aquatic Centre represents a valuable investment to encourage workers and their families to live and settle in Vanderhoof, which will have important benefits for local businesses and the overall economic and social strength of our community.
In the coming months, Mayor and Council will be approaching your government asking for monetary support for the construction of the Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre. The community support for this initiative is incredibly strong and our local fundraising efforts have already proven successful with a series of events planned. I hope that we can count you and the Province of B.C. amongst the partners who will support this important project.
Sincerely,