At the October 28 Council meeting, Mayor Mary-Ann Booth announced that West Vancouver Council has approved the contribution of an additional $2 million toward the West Vancouver Place for Sport project, bringing the municipality’s total contribution to $2,250,000, closing the funding gap to $1.9 million.
“This project will benefit the entire community,” says Mayor Booth. “It will provide a vital recreation amenity for our students and sports clubs, and it will also be a place for residents to exercise, participate, play and train in a safe, central and accessible location.”
The new facility is estimated to cost $4.9 million. A new sport facility is needed to support many members of the community: school students, athletic organisations, sport clubs and the greater community’s recreation and fitness needs.
West Vancouver Place for Sport will replace the deteriorated track at West Vancouver Secondary School, which was originally installed in 1948 and resurfaced in 1990. Although the facility is located on school district land, the Ministry of Education does not provide funding for sport fields.
In recognition of this need, private citizens came forward to begin raising the required funding.
“The West Vancouver Foundation is proud to partner on such a valuable community amenity,” says Adine Mees, CEO of the West Vancouver Foundation. “To date we have received donations from more than 125 individuals, groups, schools and corporations ranging from $25 all the way up to $100,000. Donations can be made for any amount by cheque, credit, or the transfer of securities.”
The council’s contribution includes $500,000 for matching donations. This is a unique opportunity to double your gift between now and the end of the year.
Geoff Jopson, spokesperson for West Vancouver Place for Sport, remarked, “It is often said that when the world comes together, it is through sport. The volunteer fundraising committee applauds the significant contribution that Council has made to this exciting project, and we are now confident that the generosity of our citizens will help us to make the Place for Sport a reality.”
“The West Vancouver Place for Sport will be a facility of which the entire community can be proud, enhancing social well-being, health, and fitness for all.” says Carolyn Broady, West Vancouver Schools Board Chair.
The campaign to raise funds for this project was launched in 2015 by a small group of private citizens starting with a generous donation of $100,000 from the West Vancouver Football (Soccer) Club.
Early donations from West Vancouver Schools, West Vancouver Council and the West Vancouver Foundation began a fundraising campaign that has been supported across the community. The donor list today includes almost every public and independent school, numerous community organisations, and a growing number of families and individual citizens.
To learn more about this project, or to make a financial contribution, please visit wvpfs.org.
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