By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle Construction has begun on the Oliver and District Arena Rehabilitation project, with the 56 year old facility getting major upgrades, the Town of Oliver and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) announced today. The arena was built in 1968 and was the second ice facility to be established in the South Okanagan. The facility has been in use for more than five decades and many key components of the building have reached the end of their useful life, the RDOS said.
“I am pleased that the project is getting underway,” said Electoral Area “C” Director Rick Knodel . “This is a very important part of our Parks and Recreation infrastructure.” The overall cost of the project is estimated at $3.
844 million with grant funding for the project of $2.306 million approved by the federal government through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation (CCR). The remaining funds, $1.
537 million, will come from operating and capital reserves and borrowing. The borrowing was approved under the Oliver and District Arena Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2844, 2019.
Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie noted the importance of the arena as a cross-cultural meeting point. “The Oliver hockey rink is a very important part of the Osoyoos Indian Band’s relationship with the local community.” “For over 50 years, Osoyoos Indian Band members have rented ice time, played in hockey tournaments an.
