It’s a busy place and it could get at lot busier. Columbia Shuswap Regional District directors unanimously approved $105,000 for the operation of the Malakwa Community Learning Centre.
The money will come from the Sicamous and Electoral Area E Economic Opportunity Fund.
Gord Hynek, president of the Malakwa Community Centre Association, applied to the fund and to the District of Sicamous for funding to operate the building until a referendum can be held to gauge public appetite for supporting the centre though taxation.
“We are very encouraged by the growth of services and activities that now take place in the Malakwa School building,” he wrote in his application, noting the building currently houses a school, post office, library, resource society, recreation events, art classes and various workshops. “In order to expand our capacity as a vibrant community we believe we need to include a staff position for promoting, marketing and co-ordinating services and events.”
The $105,000 is necessary to bridge the interim period to August 2014 when taxation funds would be received by the CSRD – should a Sept. 28 referendum be successful.
Area E Rural Sicamous director Rhona Martin said she met with the various user groups, who informed her they would like to see someone hired to promote the building.
“They need someone dedicated to promote the building,” she said, asking directors for their support.