The Nicola Valley Rodeo Association will soon see extensive electrical upgrades at the Rodeo and Exhibition Grounds as an application for a government grant has now been approved.
The NVRA is now moving forward with the planned project on the 22-acre property it owns jointly with the Nicola Valley Fall Fair Association.
“The grant has come through the Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) which was initiated by the federal government last summer when the impact of COVID-19 on local economies became apparent,” reads a statement from NVRA.
“(It) is being administered by the Provincial Government under the Community Economic Resilience stream.”
The grant will provide up to $440,000 to complete the electrical upgrade, which will provide a higher level of service, safety, and efficiency.
Planned upgrades include new lighting and updating the sound system, as well as RV park and camping site improvements and related works.
Also a priority is the installation of further security cameras and security systems to combat and reduce the recurring break-ins, vandalism and theft that have dramatically increased in recent years.
“The goal is to make the rodeo grounds a first-class rodeo facility capable of hosting major events and, as well, to expand and encourage the use of the property for other community events.”
