May 13, 2010

Kootenay Area to benefit from Christina Living Arts Centre

Christina Lake, British Columbia, April 14, 2010 – Jim Thomson, Chair of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT) is pleased to announce the Trust’s support of the Christina Living Arts Centre project.  “SIDIT’s objective is to support regionally strategic investments in economic development projects that will have long-lasting and measurable regional benefits for the Southern Interior” said Thomson.  “SIDIT’s investment will make a significant contribution to the sustainability and diversity of the local economy.  This creates significant positive impacts across the region through direct employment and indirect business expansions.” SIDIT has contributed $150,000 in non-repayable funding to the project for Phase 1 of the Christina Living Arts Centre facility which will house a number of artists and artisans providing them with the means to showcase and market their products while attracting increased tourist visits.

When completed, this will be Canada’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Artisans Gallery, part of the 6,000 sq ft Centre.  It will also house a Welcome centre for the region, an Interpretive Centre featuring the work of the Christina Lake Stewardship Society, and other amenities for visitors and locals.  A key educational feature of the project will be the Solar Aquatics System which is a sustainable water management facility.  The final phase of the project will be an Artisans Studio Complex which will be offering courses and demonstrations in glass blowing, woodworking, pottery and more.  The $1.7 million first phase is being overseen by the Christina Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Christina Lake Arts & Artisans Society, with funding from Western Diversification (Federal), SIDIT, Towns for Tomorrow (Provincial, Federal and RDKB) and Gas Tax funds from Area “C” and private donations.

A critical factor in ensuring the overall success and long-term sustainability of this project is the fact that it is a partnership/joint venture involving the Christina Lake Chamber of Commerce and two other strong and well established community organizations – the Christina Lake Arts and Artisan Society and the Christina Lake Stewardship Society.

For more information please link to this site http://boundarysentinel.com/node/5353.