The Mountain View County policies and priorities committee has been given an update on the proposed renovation project at the Cremona arena. The review came during the committee’s recent regularly scheduled meeting on May 2.
A delegation from the Cremona and District Agricultural Society appeared before the committee and asked that a $500,000 grant already approved by the county be held until the spring of 2019 for the project.
“In keeping with trying to remain progressive and continue to improve our facility, there are many items that need improvement, including the growing demand for girls' change rooms,” society director Jamie Veres said in a letter received by the committee.
“We have undertaken looking at the possibility of adding on and doing renovations or reconfiguring within the existing structure.
“The renovations will be less costly, and we have worked with Scott Builders to determine that there is 30- plus years left in the building itself that is the route that we have chosen.”
The society asked that council hold the $500,000 in funding in place for the renovation.
“We have our half of the program funds gathering with the county’s contribution and now are applying to the provincial and federal governments for the remainder of the funding.”
The society and Scott Builders have been working together on the project for the past 19 months and have completed a facility inspection, created conceptual designs, and discussed options for multiple designs for the upgraded facility, Scott Builders Inc. Greg Kreese said in a letter received by the committee.
The society hopes to have funding in place to start renovations in March 2019 instead of March 2018 as originally planned, members heard.
“It is our hope that with the completed renovations to the facility, we can have the facility open year-round, to provide additional recreation and social opportunities.”
The committee approved holding the $500,000 grant as requested.
