Submitted by Neil Ostafichuk
Well, here we are again, flipping the hourglass to a new year, destined to write the wrong date for the first 3 or 4 weeks but noticing that the days are lengthening daily by a minute (some of that may be psychological). Regardless of what happens weather-wise from here on out, we can’t complain about the winter we have experienced to date.
It has been an interesting year at the Community Complex to say the least; not only with all our regular festivals, events, and programming but some of the more notable items that come to mind was the start of several larger initiatives. An in-depth look at how we determine fees and charges across the entire RDCK progressed over the year as well as further development of an ice allocation policy; both not quite as exhilarating as a festival or parade but more an evolution of foundational policies for Community Services that make for accountable, rational and fair decisions.
We also saw the introduction of the new registration/booking software with training starting early in the year and going live in August; not without some challenges but we are working through them. We said “So Long” to Fitness Programmer Tia (my grandma always said ‘so long’ rather than goodbye; anticipating meeting again soon) and “Hello” to Jesse in her stead as Tia switched to programming their new bundles of joy. We have made some really strong connections with Interior Health; participating with initiatives in the Valley and up the Lake (or down the lake – never figured that out yet).
We welcomed Grizzly Bear Afterschool Care and all their slightly larger bundles of joy as our new tenant; reprising that role from many years ago before all the renovations took place. The Wee Greek concession really cemented their relationship with the facility and public as demonstrated by the increased role they play in providing some great food to the masses that move through the place at any given time. As well, the Creston Valley Rotary Club started meeting here every Tuesday morning and we also sat in on planning for the Gran Fondo Bike race at the Chamber of Commerce.
By far, the more exciting items (yes, even more, exciting than policy development) have been the Parks and Rec Masterplan process which polled the citizens of the Valley for their views and is currently being drafted and of course the start of the Creston Community Park. Currently, there is a call for Tenders for the construction of the park (the skatepark portion has already been tendered and awarded) which closes in January. It will be tight but we hope to see work restart as soon as possible in the spring, prepping and retaining around the skatepark portion first so that contractor can come in and work unimpeded for their portion. We will provide regular updates as that progresses and we have to thank Chris for providing the excellent drone footage you can see on the Creston & District Community Complex Facebook page.
Many other small but notable achievements last year – obviously the Year of the Mermaid as we had record participation in finned leisure, underwater photos with Santa went much better this year as the Jolly Old Elf had been practicing holding his breath over the past year (tying a brick to him helped as well) plus we had a great time planning and hosting the Give IT a Try Event promoting the BC Senior Games. We wish you all a Happy New Year and look forward so some equally as exciting advancements in 2019!