Upgrading the track is a priority project due to the many benefits to the school and the broader Oceanside community. Some of the benefits include greater access to sports and recreational activities for residents of all ages and abilities, an improved training facility for local athletes and a venue in the Oceanside area that is suitable for some competitive events.
In return for the funding support, SD69 will allow community use of the athletics track and parking lot at École Ballenas Secondary School outside of school hours and scheduled school activities. SD69 will also allow access to indoor school facilities such as washrooms and change rooms and access to facilities outside of school hours and scheduled school activities when possible.
The RDN will continue to coordinate bookings and use of the athletics track per an existing agreement between SD69 and the RDN. SD69 will have sole financial and operational responsibility for the athletics track and parking at École Ballenas Secondary School.
The RDN is funding its $257,400 portion from Electoral Area G ($32,000) and Electoral Area H ($21,000) Community Works Funds and Northern Recreation Program Services Reserves ($204,400). Parksville will be allocating $250,000 from its Gas Tax Reserve Fund. Qualicum Beach will be using funds from the Town's Community Development Fund to provide its $56,400 share of the support.
For more information about recreation in the RDN, Parksville and Qualicum Beach, please visit: rdn.bc.ca/recreation, parksville.ca and qualicumbeach.com/recreation-and-leisure. For information on the track project, visit: oceansidecommunitytrack.ca.
Quotes
"Access to well-maintained, multi-use facilities is important to the physical and mental health of all residents. We are pleased to be able to support this project alongside our member municipalities and to work together with School District 69 to ensure all in the Oceanside area can enjoy the facility for both competitive and recreational purposes."
Tyler Brown, Chair, Regional District of Nanaimo"It has been a pleasure to work collaboratively with School District 69, Regional District of Nanaimo and the Town of Qualicum Beach to bring this project to reality. This much needed upgraded track will benefit the community, from someone out for a daily walk, to older athletes and high-performance athletes. This facility will be an opportunity for our youth to try sports and develop habits to last a lifetime."
Ed Mayne, Mayor, City of Parksville
"This is an excellent example of regional collaboration advancing the wellbeing of our joint youth and senior populations. We are happy to partner with our neighbours on this important initiative."
Brian Wiese, Mayor, Town of Qualicum Beach
"The Board of Education of School District 69 (Qualicum) is pleased that through regional collaboration we will realize the re-creation of a wonderful asset for not only school district students but the community as a whole."
Eve Flynn, Board Chair, School District 69 (Qualicum)
For more information
Box 40, 6300 Hammond Bay Road
Nanaimo British Columbia
Canada V9T 6N2
www.rdn.bc.ca
100 East Jensen Avenue,
Parksville British Columbia
Canada V9P 2G5
www.sd69.bc.ca
201 – 660 Primrose St.
Qualicum Beach British Columbia
Canada V9K 1S7
www.qualicumbeach.com
