FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2018
PEMBERTON SOCCER FIELD MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTNERSHIP
Soccer Field Fully Funded and to Begin Construction This Summer
PEMBERTON, BC – Through generous contributions from community and federal partners, the Pemberton Soccer Field project will begin construction this summer. Situated on the recreation lands located on Pemberton Farm Road East, the grass soccer field will be constructed throughout the remainder of 2018 and open for use in Fall 2019.
The completed project will include a 45m x 90m outdoor playing field, fencing, drainage and irrigation system. While the total cost of the project is $1,643,329, there will be no tax dollars used toward the construction.
The recreation land was gifted to the Village of Pemberton (Village) from the Den Duyf family in 2017. Later that year, the Village received fill and preload for the soccer field from ‘The Ridge at Pemberton’ Developers in the form of Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) equalling $508,929. The Village will also be providing $334,400 from its community funding programs.
In June 2018, the soccer field received a confirmation of funding from SLRD Electoral Area C. $500,000 will be contributed from the Federal Gas Tax Fund which have been provided to SLRD Area C, and Area C Amenity Funds.
Each year, the Government of Canada provides over $278 million in funding for local government infrastructure across British Columbia through the Federal Gas Tax Fund. The Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) administers the Federal Gas Tax Fund in British Columbia in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
In early July, the Village learned that the soccer field would be receiving a $300,000 contribution towards the construction of the soccer field from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
The soccer field is one of two proposed for the recreation lands. Preparation for the second field is now underway; the preload used for the first soccer field will be used in preparation of the second field, thanks to Community Amenity Contributions from Sunstone Developments Ltd.
The site concept for these lands also includes a recreation complex (with arena and swimming pool), parking and other playing fields, which will be developed in phases as funding permits. For more information regarding the soccer field project and the recreation site, please visit https://www.pemberton.ca/municipal-services/recreation-leisure.
The SLRD and the Village, through the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee (PVUS), have formally added the Pemberton Soccer Field to the Pemberton and District Recreation Service which establishes a funding framework for the maintenance and upkeep of shared recreation facilities, including the Pemberton & District Community Centre, the Youth and Senior’s Centre, Pemberton Meadows fields, Gates Lake Community Park, and the new soccer field.
To learn more about PVUS and recreation services, visit www.slrd.bc.ca/Pemberton-AreaC/Recreation.
Quotes
“I am very pleased to see federal Gas Tax Fund dollars supporting new recreational infrastructure in Pemberton that will help residents stay fit while having fun. The Government of Canada is committed to investing in projects at the local level to promote economic growth, strengthen the middle class and improve Canadians’ quality of life across the country.” -Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.
“Our government supports community initiatives that encourage an active lifestyle. The new soccer field in Pemberton will provide the opportunity for families to engage in healthy activities, for kids to get out and play and for the community as a whole to come together. We are pleased to partner with the local and federal governments on projects that improve the daily lives of people across British Columbia.” -Selina Robinson, B.C Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“This project is another example of the significant investments the Government of Canada is making in BC communities through the Federal Gas Tax Fund. said “I am pleased to see the soccer field project underway and the effective local partnerships that are making it a reality.” -UBCM president Wendy Booth
“The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s mandate is to support projects that improve the quality of life for residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor and our focus has always been children and youth. The new soccer field will be an incredible recreation amenity that will be heavily used by all ages. The community drive and support of this project has been inspiring. We are happy to be a small part of this legacy to the community of Pemberton” -Mei Madden, Executive Director Whistler Blackcomb Foundation
“We are grateful for this generous contribution from the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for this integral recreation amenity. The Foundation has been very generous to us over the years and has continued to support Pemberton and its many community groups. The Den Duyf Family, The Ridge at Pemberton, SLRD, Sunstone and Whistler Blackcomb Foundation have made this project a reality. Great things happen when we work together.” -Mayor Mike Richman, Village of Pemberton
“Ensuring access to a diverse range of affordable and sustainable outdoor recreational opportunities is a great way to bring people and communities together, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance quality of life for all residents of the Pemberton Valley. On behalf of SLRD Area C, I’m pleased to invest in what promises to become a popular recreation amenity, which will only get better as plans for these recreation lands move forward.” -Russell Mack, Director, SLRD Area C
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About the Pemberton and District Recreation Service
The Pemberton and District Recreation Service is currently operated by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and funded by SLRD Electoral Area C and the Village of Pemberton. It operates and programs the Pemberton & District Community Centre, the Youth and Senior Centre, Pemberton Meadows and Signal Hill fields, as well as Gates Lake Community Park. The Recreation Service is overseen by the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee (PVUS), which is a committee of the SLRD Board convened to discuss recreation and other shared services between SLRD Electoral Area C and the Village of Pemberton.
About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District www.slrd.bc.ca
Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (District of Lillooet, Village of Pemberton, Resort Municipality of Whistler, District of Squamish) and four unincorporated rural Electoral Areas (A, B, C, D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a range of local, sub-regional and regional services to approximately 42,665 residents (2016 Census).
About the Village of Pemberton www.pemberton.ca
Pemberton is one of the most desirable communities in BC and home to family farms, fresh outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. With over 2500 residents and just 30 km from Whistler, Pemberton prides itself on its creative and collaborative approach with the business community, local volunteer groups, neighbouring communities and key business and tourism partners such as Tourism Pemberton and the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce. Pemberton’s mild winters, warm summers and unique pioneer heritage provide an ideal place to enjoy arts, culture, history, recreation, dining, shopping and comfortable lodging.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jill Brooksbank
Sr. Communications & Grants Coordinator
Village of Pemberton
Phone: 604.894.6135 x230
Email: jbrooksbank@pemberton.ca
Patricia Westerholm
Communications Coordinator
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Phone: 604.894.6371 x239
Email: pwesterholm@slrd.bc.ca