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NANAIMO – The City of Nanaimo will receive $330,000 from the B.C. government to create an Olympic Paralympic Live Sites viewing area at the Port Theatre, Nanaimo-Parksville MLA Ron Cantelon announced today.
“The funding from the Olympic Paralympic Live Site program funds roughly half of the entire project,” said Cantelon. “This project will bring the community together to enjoy the excitement of the Olympic Games.”
The funding will allow the City of Nanaimo to purchase a portable stage and tent, and an audio, video and lighting system. The equipment will be located at the Port Theatre, adjacent to the conference centre, with a large screen attached to the exterior of the building. Community groups will also have access to the equipment in the lead-up to, and beyond, the 2010 Games.
“The conference centre will provide many benefits for residents of Nanaimo, and the additions made possible by this funding will only improve the centre,” added Cantelon. “The proponents of this project deserve credit for their extensive efforts.”
“It is important that we share the benefits and provide legacies from the 2010 Games with communities all across this province,” said Economic Development Minister Colin Hansen. “This particular project will also help in the ongoing work of revitalizing the downtown area, by attracting more visitors who will visit local businesses and cultural attractions.”
It is anticipated that the City will have the Live Site ready in time to showcase the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy later this winter.
Including
today’s announcement in Nanaimo, the B.C. government
has now invested more than $9.6 million in 61 Live Sites projects provincewide.
Announced in November 2004, the $20-million Olympic
Paralympic Live Sites program provides up to $330,000 in funding for projects
with budgets under $1 million, in communities outside
of Greater Vancouver and the Whistler-Squamish corridor. Some communities are
using the funding to purchase equipment for the development of Olympic
event viewing venues while others are upgrading community facilities, such as
arenas, sports complexes and recreation centres.
Earlier this fall, in order to allow more communities time
to apply for funding, the Province extended the deadline for applications to
March 31, 2007, and the deadline for completing projects was extended to March
31, 2008. Applications are available at the Ministry of Economic Development
website at www.gov.bc.ca/ecdev.
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Communications Director Ministry of Economic Development 250 356-9428 250 888-9879 (cell) |
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Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services. |
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