Lake Country seeks funding for cultural centre

LAKE COUNTRY – The District of Lake Country council gave the green light last night to apply for significant infrastructure funding from the federal government.

At the Jan. 15 regular meeting, council approved a recommendation for the District to apply for funding from the Canada Infrastructure Program: Community, Culture and Recreation stream.

A report submitted to council by Matt Vader, manager of strategic and support services, detailed that the funding would be directed toward the creation of a Cultural Centre and Nature Park at 3724 Woodsdale Rd., which is known as the Woodsdale Packing House park.

The project is estimated to cost $4 million and Lake Country, along with the Okanagan Indian Band as part of a collaborative indigenous cultural program, will be applying to the infrastructure grant to cover 73.33 per cent of the funding.

According to the report, the Woodsdale property gained four tennis courts and a parking lot in 2010. Development of the Okanagan Rail Trail revealed Woodsdale as a natural trailhead. The proposed project could add a cultural centre, boardwalks, public art, and viewing pavilions.

Coun. Bill Scarrow, who voted to approve the application, said it was an easy decision.

"It was a no-brainer," he said. "We're excited about it."

Scarrow said the project could be completed by 2021 or 2022.

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