The Cariboo Regional District (CRD), the City of Williams Lake and West Fraser are delighted to announce West Fraser’s commitment of $500,000 towards the proposed renovation of the Sam Ketcham pool.
West Fraser supported the original construction of the pool in 1981 in memory of one of the company’s founders, Sam Ketcham. Thirty years later, West Fraser continues to support the facility and will be recognized in the naming of the renovated pool area of the complex as the “West Fraser Aquatic Centre and Sam Ketcham Pool.”
“Sam Ketcham long recognized the importance of having great recreational facilities in our communities,” said Ray Ferris, West Fraser’s VP of Wood Products. “As a part of the fabric of this community since 1955, and where Sam spent so much of his time, we are pleased to be a supporter of the renovations to this valued facility and the continued enjoyment of another generation of citizens at the West Fraser Aquatic Centre and Sam Ketcham Pool.”
Dave Walgren, general manager for Williams Lake Plywood, speaking on behalf of Jordan Townsend, General Manager for Williams Lake Sawmill, highlighted the importance of the donation for West Fraser’s mills in Williams Lake, saying: “our mills have been successful because we have good employees. They choose to live and raise their families here because of what Williams Lake has to offer: good employment and great community amenities. We are pleased to be a part of the Sam Ketcham Pool renovation and contribute to making this community a great place to live and work.”
The referendum, which will be held on Nov. 15, 2014, will ask voters if they approve borrowing up to $10 million over 20 years. The remainder of the cost of the approximately $11.3 million project will need to be made up from grants, fundraising and capital reserves.
More information about the referendum and proposed project renovations can be found online at:
• Cariboo Regional District – cariboord.bc.ca
• City of Williams Lake – williamslake.ca
• Cariboo Memorial Complex – activewilliamslake.com
A Facebook page dedicated to helping provide information to residents and an opportunity for residents to ask questions can be found at facebook.com/SamKetchamPool. A Twitter feed can also be found at @SKPReferendum. Leading up to the November 15 referendum, information will be distributed through various channels including the media, social media, the internet, the mail system and advertisements.
