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Federal funding will be used to upgrade the existing lighting, grandstand and backstop at Elk's Stadium, the home of the Kelowna Falcons of the WCL. (Photo contributed)
Kelowna Falcons press release/edited
Renovations to Elks Stadium will begin shortly.
The Kelowna Falcons and four other teams that call Elks Stadium home during the baseball season finally received some good news today.
Mayor Sharon Shepherd announced that federal money will be spent to upgrade four major facilities in Kelowna and Elks Stadium is one of them. The funds will be put towards a number of areas at the ballpark including upgrading the lights, the backstop and the grandstand. The renovations should begin shortly so it is ready to be used in late March of 2010.
“This is a day we have been waiting for, for the past few years,” said Falcons General Manager Mark Nonis. “Not only does it help our club, but all organizations that use the Stadium. Some believe the lights and backstop were becoming a safety hazard. . . the plans we have will make it completely safe for our players and our fans. We’re looking forward to getting started.”
The funds total $1 million and are coming from the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The three other facilities in Kelowna that will receive a chunk of this money are Rutland Arena, the Apple Bowl and Kings Stadium.
Elks Stadium will receive $870,000 to refurbish the lighting system, grandstand and backstop.
“Providing a strong recreation infrastructure is essential to a vibrant, healthy and active community,” Mayor Shepherd said. “The funding from RInC will help us improve our arenas and stadiums for our residents and community partners.
For more information, visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
sports@kelowna.com/(250)575-3981
Tags: Elks Stadium, federal funding, Kelowna Falcons baseball
