Columbia Lake Recreation Centre to celebrate opening on March 10

By Chadd Cawson

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After much anticipation and a few delays such as the pandemic, the Columbia Lake Recreation Centre, located on Akisqnuk First Nation between Windermere and Fairmont along Highway 93, will be opening on March 10 from 1 to 3 p.m., open to all residents and visitors. There will be speakers and refreshments served. ?akisq?nuk in the Ktunaxa language refers to the two lakes (Windermere Lake and Columbia Lake).

“The original opening date was supposed to be June 27, 2019,” said Jason Nicholas, recreation coordinator. “We were only open a short time until COVID rules and regulations appeared, and we were unfortunately forced to close our doors. Staffing issues have also caused a delay as well, but we’re happy to announce that we are now fully staffed.”

The centre houses a gymnasium, elevated running track and fitness room and offers open gym time as well. It is currently open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. After the hard opening on March 10, the centre will also be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Membership and drop-in fees are still to be determined.

Since its opening in 2019 this Columbia Basin Trust-supported project, and the biggest the Akisqnuk community has ever undertaken, has not only been a space for recreation and celebration but has also provided jobs and training for community members. Nicholas said the inspiration behind the centre was the legacy of sports in the Columbia Valley that goes back to the 1970’s and ‘80’s with the ball clubs and hockey teams from the reserves.

“Sports have been a positive influence on many of us that grew up watching the teams and playing when we got our chance,” said Nicholas. “It brings us great joy to give an opportunity to the youth coming up today with a beautiful rec centre, something that would have been appreciated in our youth.”

2021. Individuals can also apply for specified injuries compensation for injuries they experienced while complying with drinking water advisories.

Invitations for the long-awaited opening were sent out to chiefs from surrounding First Nations, Columbia Valley Metis, mayors from all surrounding towns, as well as school representatives, local media and youth club representatives and organizers.

“For the Akisqnuk community we have a sense of pride that we have a recreation centre that can be utilized by the whole Columbia Valley,” said Nicholas. “We want all valley residents and visitors to feel welcome and enjoy our facility with us, and realize it’s a safe, and fun place to be. We already have many youth from the community enjoying the facilities and it brings us happiness to see that.”

The deadline to submit claims for the First Nations Drinking Water Settlement has been extended to March 7, 2024.

To be eligible for compensation that First Nations Drinking Water Settlement will provide, individuals must be a member of a First Nation and must have been impacted by a long-term drinking water advisory (boil water, do not consume or do not use) that lasted at least a year between November 20, 1995, and June 20, 2021. For those submitting a claim on a loved one’s behalf they must not have passed away before November 20, 2017.

For claimants born before November 20, 1995, they must have ordinarily resided or lived on an impacted First Nation during a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted continuously for a year or longer, anytime between November 20, 2013, and June 20, 2021. If born on or after November 20, 1995, the claimant must have ordinarily resided/lived on an impacted First Nation during a long-term drinking water advisory that lasted continuously for a year or longer, anytime between November 20, 1995, and June 20,

D“The news in general for the settlement will benefit our community and membership immensely,” said Cote. “This will give Shuswap the ability it needs to begin discussions with Canada for a much-needed water system upgrade. This upgrade will benefit Shuswap members by being able to build more homes for our people, expand economic development and strive to create the respectful, prosperous, and self-sufficient community we know we deserve. First Nations still being plagued with unsafe drinking water in 2023 or that have no access to running water is disheartening. Canada must make the commitment that water on First Nation Reserves, meets the stricter of the federal requirements or provincial stan-

“The news in general for the settlement will benefit our community and membership immensely,” ”

Barb Cote, Shuswap Band Chief

dards governing residential water quality. For greater clarity, the nature and quantity must be sufficient to meet all standards required in a similarly situated Canadian home.”

There are resources available to support First Nations and individuals in completing their claims. The First Nations Drinking Water website includes a list of impacted First Nations and interactive guides which provide step by step instructions on completing and submitting a claim form.