concert season begins PAGE A3
SALVATION ARMY SERVES DINNER PAGE A14
’ROOS DOUBLE HEADER PAGE A18
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
VOL. 99 NO. 31
www.quesnelobserver.com
1
$ 34
PM 40005365
includes HST
MULTI-CENTRE
Fed funding never on table, Harris says AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter After hearing a Nova Scotia community was granted millions in federal funding for their sports centre, elected officials are looking to MP Dick Harris for answers. “We need to be a tad more aggressive with him,” Cariboo Regional District vice-chair Ted Armstrong said. The $38 million facility in Pictou, Nova Scotia received $11 million in federal funding. The complex includes two ice surfaces, an aquatic centre and a fitness room. Funding was possible through the major infrastructure component of the Build Canada Fund, the very same fund Quesnel’s Multi-Centre applied to and was denied. “I can understand why people are disappointed,” Harris said. “I’m disappointed as well.” However, Harris pointed to the process of proposals as the reason behind the lack of federal funding. Under the agreement of funding, the province must first commit to their portion, after which, Harris said, the feds would come on board. “At the time the Nova Scotia project was approved the province had not approved funding for Quesnel’s Multi-Centre,” he said. “So the project was not turned down at the federal level, because it never got there.” Criteria for the funding [now closed and under Building Canada] pot stated: “The Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund targets larger, strategic projects of national and regional significance. “Under the MIC, at least twothirds of funding supports projects that address national priorities and
improve the lives of Canadians. These include projects related to: • drinking water; • wastewater; • public transit; • the core National Highway System; and • green energy. Additionally, the funding criteria also states: “The Major Infrastructure Component of the Building Canada Fund provides funding for infrastructure projects of national and regional significance. This program supports major infrastructure projects that contribute to – among other things – cultural, economic, sport and tourism development.” “My disappointment is with applications that are being funded under a program that is set aside for water/sewer and roads,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said. “All programs are most often over-subscribed but communities across Canada should have the same opportunities, not some selected over others to separate funding allotments.” Sjostrom said the city and CRD have submitted two requests, one for $10 million and one for $5 million, under the Build Canada funding umbrella and both were denied. “The provincial government has supported the Multi-Centre with $4 million dollars and all we are asking is the matching funds from the federal government.” Pictou population sits at 21,745, the Gold Pan city sits at 23,000 (10,000 city and roughly 13,00 from CRD.) Harris insisted that while there is not a program in place for funding of cultural and sport facilities, once one is, he will be first in line. “This is on my bucket list,” he said.
Ladies make your Man’s engine roar! Give him gifts from where he shops
Taylor Automotive Supplies
449 Legion Drive • 250-992-7259
Sydney visits Dunrovin Sydney, a Dogues de Bordeaux, was one of several dogs to visit Dunrovin Park Lodge, including the hospice and respite wing, to bring a little holiday cheer to the residents, including Phyllis Erb. Despite her massive size, Sydney was well-behaved and brought joy to all who met her. For more photos see Friday’s Observer.
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber V. Naeth! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
Karen Powell photo
BLIZZ ARD DEALS $1
$2
$3
Sale Table All items $1, $2, $3, $4 & $5
$4 $5
ALL SALES FINAL 351 Reid Street Across from Post Office • 250-991-0298 Helping you build a healthy body & mind, Naturally!