Fort Forum Arena receives $2.9 million from Investing in Canada Infrastructure program
FORT ST JAMES – The District of Fort St. James has been awarded $2.9 million dollars: $1,199,760 from the Government of Canada and $1,799,640 from the Province of British Columbia.
The Arena has a long history of community involvement dating back to the early 1950’s when the Fort Forum was only an outdoor ice surface dependent on the weather to stay frozen to the community hub it is now. The Fort Forum has produced Olympians, NHLers, and has seen locals of all ages and skill levels participate in sports and recreation in Fort St. James for decades. With funding from the Investing in
Canada Infrastructure program, the District of Fort St. James plans to complete upgrades to the:
- Exterior
- Vestibule and entryway
- Signage
- Main lobby and washrooms
- Infrared heaters above stands
- Bleachers
These improvements as well as the installation of the new freon ice plant will help to reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 1 ton each year.
The District looks forward to working closely with the community and user groups as renovations take place over the next 2-3 years.
“This is an exciting project which will come with many benefits for the community. The revitalization will help to reduce the Municipality’s carbon footprint, improve recreation service delivery, and will ensure our infrastructure will last the test of time,” said Mayor Bob Motion.
