GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES $40 MILLION FOR EVENT CENTRE (PENTICTON)

Penticton Okanagan MLA Bill Barisoff and Kelwona-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe joined Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley to announce $40 million in funding for the proposed South Okanagan Events Centre
Gov. B.c. news
PENTICTON – The Province has approved $40 million in long-term funding to support the proposed South Okanagan Events Centre, MLAs Bill Barisoff and Rick Thorpe announced today. “This Events Centre will house world-class sports and cultural events, and provide top-notch leisure facilities for residents in the South Okanagan,” said Penticton-Okanagan Valley MLA Bill Barisoff. “It will also provide a single, year-round, multi-use facility to enhance the region’s reputation as a stellar destination.” The provincial government will designate gaming revenues over the next decade to the Events Centre, in addition to a $9.7-million provincial grant from the Major Regional Sports Facilities Initiative announced earlier this year. The project is being made possible through a funding arrangement between the Province, the City of Penticton, the local casino company, Lake City Casinos Ltd., and the British Columbia Lottery Corporation.
The proposed facility includes:
A 5,100-seat, multi-purpose event centre with an Olympic-size ice rink.
A 475-seat community facility with an NHL-size ice rink.
A home for the BC Hockey Hall of Fame.
An indoor, year-round walking track, potential health and wellness clinics and a restaurant.
Galleria linking the existing Penticton Trade and Convention Centre and the Memorial Arena.
1,250 parking stalls, including 12 stalls for people with disabilities.
Architectural design reflecting First Nations culture with emphasis on use of B.C. wood products.

“This is a great example of how gaming revenue benefits British Columbia communities,” said Small Business and Revenue Minister Rick Thorpe, MLA for Okanagan-Westside. “The project is expected to create 900 person-years of employment during two years of construction. About $30 million will be spent in the local community during construction, creating economic growth for the region. Yes, we are creating opportunities for Penticton, the South Okanagan, our children and grandchildren.” Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley said, “Council wanted to make sure this project was affordable for the residents of Penticton. With the co-operation of the Province and Lake City Casinos Ltd., we can achieve that goal.” The Events Centre will attract more non-resident convention delegates, who will spend an estimated $275 per day into the local economy. In total, the Events Centre is expected to have an annual additional regional economic impact of $25 million.