The Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB)has partnered with both the Towns of Oliver and Osoyoos in support of an application to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program fund.
The OIB has been discussing the feasibility of constructing a multi-pad National Indigenous Hockey Legacy Initiative (NIHL) arena in the Oliver/Osoyoos area.
“The Osoyoos Indian Band appreciates any opportunity to collaborate with our neighbouring municipalities for the betterment of the region. Organized sport, exercise and active lifestyle amenities are crucial to our collective goal of maintaining healthy communities,” said Mike Campol, OIB Chief Operating Officer.
The GICB fund provides up to 100 per cent funding for new facilities that are accessible to the public, which includes new recreational facilities.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to provide the infrastructure to meet future recreational needs in a cost effective manner,” said Oliver Mayor Martin Johansen.
The existing arenas in the region are dated and no longer considered energy efficient. Improving these facilities to be sustainable now would be both expensive and require significant changes.
“The opportunity to collaborate with the Osoyoos Indian Band and Town of Oliver in this regional initiative underscores our commitment to finding sustainable, cost-effective solutions to the provision of community amenities that serve all our communities and their residents,” said Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff.
