The expansion of the East Kootenay Child Development Centre is nearly complete.

After three years of arduous volunteer love and labour, the multi-purpose child development and assistance facility in Cranbrook, is set to open tomorrow (April 2).

On the evening of March 29 the facility was opened for a “sneak preview,” as described by Gwen Noble, executive director of Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C. , which has led the impressive expansion.

Speaking to a collection of regional dignitaries, volunteers and community leaders, Noble asked, “How did we do?”

A loud “whoo” was the reply.

Noble thanked a host of key project volunteers and backers, including Columbia Basin Trust’s Carrie Schafer and Jennifer Krotz, as well as Bill Hughes and the Investors Group.

She held high praise for general contractor Bard McGinn and his wife/partner Jan, who drew the plans for the extensive makeover.

Noble also acknowledged the elected officials in attendance, including City of Cranbrook Mayor Wayne Stetski and councilors Denise Pallesen and Sharon Cross, as well as City of Fernie Mayor Mary Giuliano, District of Sparwood Mayor Lois Halko and Regional District of East Kootenay Electoral Area B director and Union of B.C. Municipalities president Heath Slee.

“This is a regional centre and we are glad you supported us,” Noble said to the elected officials.

The process of coming up with the $1.1 million needed to complete the makeover began in June 2009 when the building was secured. After that a wide array of fundraising efforts were undertaken by Community Connections.

As of March 29, their efforts have yielded $1 million –with $100,000 left to go.

The most recent contributor to the project was the B.C. Provincial Government, with Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett last week delivering $100,000.

“He has grasped this concept right from the beginning,” Noble said of Bennett’s support.

She said the colourful, welcoming centre is the result of “a large list of donors. Big or small they’ve all made a difference.” Three lengthy banners located in the foyer backed up her comment.

“We had a vision and a dream” and all the areas of the region shared in it, Noble said. “We will continue to need your support,” she added.

“We’re really anxious to get on with the real reason we’re doing,” she said, speaking of children and families. “We want them to be healthy and happy. We would like to have an ongoing relationship with our community.”

Noble also announced March 29 that Community Connections Society of Southeast B.C. was undertaking a new fundraising effort, noting that sustainability of the centre is vital.

“Another one of our crazy endeavours” will be taking on the organization of MOPAR in the Rockies car show, which takes place in July in Cranbrook.

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW

Article Share