SPOA_Spr_2010:SPOA_Template.qxd
5/5/2010
5:05 PM
Page 16
School and community work together to create Port Clements Multi-Purpose Complex BY KEN CAMPBELL
BACKGROUND In the fall of 1998, the former mayor of Port Clements, local businesspeople and some other members of the community were asked if they would be interested in forming a committee to look into the feasibility of constructing a new multi-purpose building to replace the aging and inadequate buildings in Port Clements. The committee evolved from the original volunteers to members who were there for the construction of the multiplex building. It was the intent of the original committee to construct a building that would satisfy the needs of Port Clements and, at the same time, benefit all islanders. The committee reviewed plans that included arenas and swimming pools and determined the residents of Port Clements were not interested in that kind of expense. They looked into various types of construction, and it was determined conventional construction would be the most cost-effective. In 2000, the committee determined that in order to apply for grants and funds, the group needed an identity. On September 5, 2000 the Port Clements Multi-Purpose Complex Society was incorporated under the Society Act of B.C. The mandate of the society was and continues to be: • Develop a conceptual layout of the proposed multi-purpose complex based on input from the community. • Survey the community for support of the project. • Research and apply for funding for the project.
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Ops Talk • Spring 2010
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Coordinate the construction of the facility. On March 31, 2001, a referendum was held in the Village of Port Clements asking the question, “Based on the information available to date, are you in favour of the proposed Port Clements multi-purpose complex?” The referendum received great support, and the next step for the society was to prepare and submit proposals to various funding opportunities to raise the funds required. Over the next few years the society managed to raise over three million dollars. With the funding ready to go, the society partnered with the village as a standing committee because the building would ultimately belong to the village. Together, they compiled a Request for Proposals, advertised and received three responses. However, rising costs and inflation had driven the costs up beyond the funding of the committee. About this time, concerns arose at School District No. 50 about the viability of maintaining the Port Clements Elementary School in light of declining enrolment. The committee met with the school district about the idea of incorporating the school into the multiplex building plan; this was met with a favourable response from the district and the school board. The then-Minister of Education, Ms. Shirley Bond, stated she was also willing to support the concept.
