A convention centre for Red and and a roof for the arena: $1.1M in Federal funding announced

A red letter day for Rossland's recreation infrastructure today. This afternoon, Jim Abbott, MP for Kootenay-Columbia, announced two grants designed to strengthen the local economy. Red Resorts will receive repayable funding to the tune of $670 000 through the community Adjustment Fund to upgrade and expand the lodge into a “fully accessible four season conference centre”. The project will begin as soon as the ski season ends and, according to Don Thompson of Red Resort, will be completed nine months from today.

In a press release, Red CEO Howard Katkov has this to say. “On behalf of the 265 winter employees at Red Mountain Resort, we thank Western Economic Diversification for supporting our efforts in the preservation and expansion of one of the oldest day lodges in Canada. The new day lodge and conference center will not only benefit our customers who frequent the resort but the region as well.”

Another grant of $488 000 was announced for the Rossland Arena through Recreational Infrastructure Canada (apt acronym of the week award: RinC). This will allow for the replacement of the rink by March 2011 at no additional cost to Rossland taxpayers.

"The investment in the Rossland Arena will not only provide economic activity in our region, it will also guarantee the viability of a cornerstone of our alpine community," said Mayor Greg Granstrom.

Councillor Laurie Charlton noted that this grant will result in a surplus of around $200 000 that will be used to fund other improvements and renovations at the rink.

Please see the accompanying video for the announcements and reaction from local stakeholders. Also see the attached drawings of the new lodge design.