A $20,000 Community Gaming Grant provided to the Sand Creek Community Club will go toward a feasibility study to determine whether a new arena and curling rink will be built in the South Country (Jaffray) area, announced Community, Sport and Cultural Development Minister and Kootenay East MLA Bill Bennett on Monday (April 15).

The comprehensive feasibility study, expected to take three to four months, will look at a number of different factors to determine whether the area can support a new arena and curling rink. Population growth projections, capital and operating costs, community support and possible locations are among the considerations that will be explored during the process.

Extensive consultations, including open town-hall meetings, involving various local organizations, local government officials, the school district, business leaders, other interest groups and residents will contribute their views to the final report.

“I look forward to the conclusions of the feasibility study. This is exactly how these processes should work – by engaging with the very people who will utilize and benefit from the project. I know just how popular sports like hockey and curling are in the area, but ultimately it will be up to the community to decide if this is the right project,” Bennett said.

Government gaming grants benefit local communities by allowing eligible organizations to apply for gaming revenues that support a broad range of local programs and services.

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