With a group of young swimmers waiting nearby, officials announced Monday West Fraser will donate $500,000 toward the proposed renovations at the Sam Ketcham Memorial Pool if the referendum passes on Nov. 15.
“Back in 1981 we were pretty pleased to be part of building this facility and naming it after one of our company’s founders, Sam Ketcham,” said Dave Lehane, vice president of West Fraser Woodlands. “West Fraser’s been part of this community since 1955 and it’s a community where Sam Ketcham and his family lived for many years.”
He thanked the community for letting the company be part of such a great project.
Cariboo Regional District directors, Mayor Kerry Cook and city councillors praised West Fraser for its ongoing commitment, past, present and future.
“It’s an exciting day for Williams Lake,” Cook said.
The referendum, which will be held on Nov. 15, 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.
“I have worked in a number of communities in the north and this is the largest place I’ve lived, but in every community we’ve been a part of it, “ said Dave Walgren, West Fraser Plywood Plant manager.
In order to have a successful business, the community has to be successful, Walgren said, adding he’s pleased to be part of the pool project.
The company’s employees choose to live in Williams Lake because it has community amenities, he added.
