Indoor recreation opportunities abound with opening of the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre in Hazelton
Above: Opening ceremonies for the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre involved many people from the community and region.
On September 14, the residents of northwestern B.C. celebrated the grand opening of the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre. The 54,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility has been eagerly anticipated by those in the Hazeltons and surrounding area for many years.
“After many years of planning and collaboration, it’s incredible to have the Upper Skeena Recreation Centre open and benefiting our region,” said Philip Germuth, chair of Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine. “We’re grateful for all the partnerships that were built to bring this project to completion, including funding from Northern Development. The time and financial investments into this facility has created new opportunities for residents – economically, socially and for improved health that will last long into the future.”
The new recreation centre features an NHL-sized hockey rink, gymnasium, workout equipment, community space and spectator seating. This new building serves as a much needed community hub, especially during the cold and dark winter months, while also providing opportunity for new revenue generated through sport tourism.
Northern Development has invested $375,000 into this project. Of this, $250,000 went towards the construction of the building and $125,000 was used for equipment acquisition. The second grant included the purchase of basketball nets, gym mats, bleachers, rental skates, meeting room equipment and more. All of these funds have come from the Trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program.
