An initiative to bring a sports dome to Drayton Valley took a step forward last week with a funding announcement from the province.
The Drayton Valley Community Foundation has been awarded $1.5 million from the province’s Active Communities Initiative fund for a project identified as the DVCF Dome.
Andrew Boitchenko, the Minister of Tourism and Sport and MLA for the Drayton Valley-Devon constituency, made the live announcement from the Ricochet Aquatic Centre last Thursday.
“Today, Alberta’s Government is investing $14 million through the Active Communities Initiative to support 20 sport and recreation infrastructure projects across our province,” said Boitchenko.
A press release from the province says this project will help strengthen local economies and stimulate more than $46 million in estimated economic activity.
Rob Mulligan, the chair of the Drayton Valley Community Foundation, also spoke during the announcement of the funding.
“The funding will make a meaningful difference in our ability to support families in Drayton Valley and throughout the surrounding area,” said Mulligan. “On behalf of the Drayton Valley Community Foundation, we are incredibly grateful to partner with the Government of Alberta, Minister Andrew Boitchenko, and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, and our municipal partners to help make an indoor sports complex a reality in Drayton Valley.”
Full details outlining the scale of the project are not yet available. Under conditions of the grant, the Province’s share cannot be more than 50 percent of total project funding. The grant money cannot be used for the purchase of land or to cover ongoing operational costs of a new facility.
A social media post from the Town of Drayton Valley welcomed last week’s news as an exciting opportunity for the region.
“We look forward to learning more about the project and the positive impact it will have on Drayton Valley and the surrounding communities in the years ahead,” it said.
The Free Press reached out to the Drayton Valley Community Foundation for more information about the DVCF Dome but did not receive a response prior to our deadline.
