The Hope and District Recreation Centre is anticipating that a $200,000 project to upgrade its fitness centre will be done by Friday.
The money went towards an expansion of the cardio room, adding an outdoor recreation area and also opened up additional office space .
The cardio room saw an expansion of about 30 per cent by removing a temporary office structure and constructing two offices elsewhere. The cardio room now has a door leading to the newly renovated outdoor recreation area. The intent of the outdoor area was to allow guests to start or finish their workout outdoors. It also has benches and a refurbished garden area.
The Fraser Valley Regional District’s (FVRD) recreation commission was able to undertake these upgrades because of the Western Economic Diversification program funding, which paid half of the cost of the project.
“The Government of Canada presented the funding application opportunity in 2016 [and] the Fraser Valley Regional District’s recreation commission applied and were successful,” said FVRD Area B director Dennis Adamson in a statement, who also serves as the recreation commission’s chair. “We are very pleased to have received this funding through the Western Diversification Canada Program. The contribution of $100,000 will significantly offset costs for the much needed renovation project.”
Originally, the fitness area at the rec centre was contained to one room, which is where the weight room currently is. Faced with cost constrains, the recreation centre decided to meet the growing demand for fitness space by converting meeting room space for this purpose.
Faced with continued overcrowding, the recreation commission considered various designs for expansions of the gym and office space over the years, however, they were too costly for the amount of space gained.
The project was initiated through a public proposal call with Gerry Enns Contracting (GEC) selected as the successful candidate. GEC employed a number of local subcontractors to complete the majority of sub-trade work required, according to the FVRD.
They will also host a grand opening on Aug. 23 at 10:30 a.m. The FVRD will invite dignitaries and have a ribbon cutting with a plaque unveiling. Admission to the gym will be free to mark the opening.