By Andrea Arnold
Regional District of Fraser-Fort George Area H Director Dannielle Alan said she was surprised and saddened when she heard the concerns of the McBride community regarding the future of the Recreation Centre.
Following an open house held at the arena, many members of the community were worried that the RDFFG may be looking to close the facility completely.
“The facility is owned by the people of the Robson Valley, bought and paid for by the community,” Alan said. “The Regional District’s job is to manage the facility the best it can.”
Alan said the recreation facilities in both McBride and Valemount are paid for by tax money collected within their taxation district. The Regional District administers funds and acts as the administrative body that is legally responsible for the facility and all safety aspects.
Alan thinks that having a local voice in a management position is an important part of the operations.
McBride’s facility has experienced small incremental increases in fees over the years. This allows residents, many of whom have a set income, continued access to the Centre’s programs.
Alan acknowledged the need for more funding in order to provide necessary upgrades for the building.
“This money could come through corporate sponsorship, or by finding a way to increase the number of teams and clubs that come to visit the facility,” she said. “We need to find funding to allow the facility to continue to meet the community needs. The solution should be a local solution, not something that comes from Prince George.”
Alan also said that if the Regional District came up with a plan, that plan would have to be presented to the Community Consultation Committee. The CCC is a group of seven Robson Valley residents – including Councillor Joe Kolida, along with Alan – that provide the Regional District with input from a community perspective.
Alan extended an invitation to any members of the public who are interested in attending one of their meetings in a spectator role to become more informed about the goings-on at the recreation centre.
She also suggested that if people want to get more involved, they should participate in already-existing programs, and look into alternative funding options. If an individual has an idea for a new program, they can talk to the facility manager, Wes Keim. Alan said if a new idea comes up against a roadblock, she and the other members of the CCC, Keim and staff at the Regional District will work together to remove obstacles.
Following the open house held at the beginning of October, Alan was thrilled with how many surveys were completed. She hopes that the renewed level of interest in the facility continues and people take a more solid ownership.
“No one should have the fear of losing this important community asset,” said. “People need to be able to move here and not worry about losing what we have.”
She agrees that work needs to be done in order to ensure that the Robson Valley Recreation Centre is in a position to continue to serve the community for years to come, and hopes to see a stronger partnership and collaboration with the Regional District to make that happen.
“The more community involvement there is, the better the outcome will be,” she said.
