wetiesn The Cast ‘Leading the way in supporting local business’ J Castlegar Children’s Centre . faces construct ion standstill Funding shortage might result in eight-month del ry SHARLENE IMHOFF Sun Editor Due to a severe lack in funding, construction has slowed down to almost a stand-still at the Castlegar Children's Centre. Work on the Children’s Centre, a Project established by the Kootenay Columbia Childcare Society (KCCCS), began last May. So far, the KCCCS has been able to raise with assistance $265,000, of which $40,000 will be used for equipment in the new centre such as cribs, strollers, appliances and shelving. But money has run short, and Katrine Conroy, administrator for the KCCCS, admits the society will need $100,000 more to complcte the job. “At first we were Tight on track. Then our funds slowed down and some people who were really com- mitted just haven't come through,” Conroy said. “We can’t put the Society in a position of having to borrow funds—we have to remain fiscally responsible.” According to Conroy there are a number of factors which have con- tributed to the complete slow-down in funding nceded to complete the It looks like Castlegar is now closer to downtown revitalization than it has ever been in the past. - The present revitalization con- cept, formed a year and a half ago, is the fifth attempted incamation since the late 1970's, On November 28 downtown busi- ness owners and members of the revitalization committee voted in favour of going ahead with the pro- ject Merchants had three different Proposals to chose from, all of which Children’s Society. One being a grant, which the KCCCS applied for last April from ‘the Ministry of Social Services. Although the grant is only for $10,000, the KCCCS is still waiting for word of its KATRINE CONROY approval before it will go ahead with further construction. Funds are also availalbe from B.C. Lotter- ies—but there’s a snag here. The KCCCS will not be given the $54,000 it was promised until con- struction of the Children’s Centre is complete. “That really makes no sense at all. We need the money now so we can complete the project.” Conroy continued. were brought forth by Urban Sys- tems Ltd, of Kamloops. They incl ed the basic ‘Volkswagen’ at just under $3 million dollars, the ‘Cadil- lac’, offering some worthwhile options for $3.8 million and the ‘Fast-Track Cadillac’. The ‘Fast- Track Cadillac’ proposal offers the same features as the ‘Cadillac’ but will be completed over four years in three stages as opposed to nine years and five stages for the first two pro- posals. Revitalization costs will be tax revenue, rece The setback in funding has jnow caused an cight-month setba the Childen’s centre planned 0 ing. Previously scheduled for Jan- uary 1992, has now been moved to next September. “If anything it’s really fruihrat: ing. It’s frustrating when you have to start turning people away. The people which Conroy are reffering to are those who would be registering for programs and‘ser- vices which the KCCCS is atternpt- ing to establish. Currently there are 70 children who receive qualified, licenced care and supervision while staying at Hobbit Hill, a daycare centrefor children over age three in Castle- gar, sponsored by the KCCCS.'The new Children’s Centre, whenever it is completed, would provide ‘ser- vices to a growing waiting list of children under three with or with- out special needs. Conroy says the new centre will also see a Teen Par- enting program started, which would offer a clothing exchange, nutrition courses and a’ general sup- port service for young and single mothers alike. See STANDSTILL ‘ 1 2A aS ee LS Before becoming’a‘ bylaw, the plan will go before council for three readings. Once adopted, merchants who wish to oppose the bylaw will have a 30-day period in which to petition against the bylaw. “It’s like.a negative vote,” said Castlegar City Administrator Gary Williams. “If more than 50 per cent of the downtown business owners say no—then it will be defeated.” See REVITALIZATION 124 4- LEGISLATIVE L IBRARY a-9 PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS VICTORIA BC eh caches ’Tis the season... ‘SUN STAFF PHOTO / Brendan Halper City works employee Kelly Tamelin seeks out greater heights while string- ing the Christmas lights outside city hall. sued sso vancen ie oot QCM Women’ s Association to ve long-awaited funding SHARLENE IMHOFF “Volunteers will have to be very patient. They can't try to convince the victim they must “ leave their' partner for good. On average, a woman might leave her Partner seven times before she actually leaves permanently,” Lakes continued. Currently, some women from Castlegar have been travelling to Trail, which has the nearest transi- See FUNDING 2A mit their names at Community Sun Editor Services," Lakes said. “Volun- Lakes says the Association will _ teers must be flexible and able to ‘The Castlegar Women’s Asso- be advertising for the paid posi- respond in an emergency situa- ciation is finally on the receiving tion.” end of a long-awaited grant Lakes stated it is important that request worth $9900. “Volunteers must sojanteers not only be compas- The grant, which was approve: j sionate towards the person they by Victoria last Friday, had been be flexible and will be helping but as well, they Officially requested last Septem- able to re espond in must be mature enough to realize Pee an emergency sit- uation.” atmosphere in order to decide what her neat step would be. the different emotions an abused “I received word Friday that partner is feeling at such a time. our grant had bcen approved. I think it’s great!” said Patricia Lakes, vice-chairperson for the Association, With the recent approval, the Women’s Association is one step) closer to a larger goal, which isto. tion as soon as possible and hopes establish a safe-home system in that training can begin as early as Castlegar, Something that RCMP. January. and Castlegar Community Ser- “People who are interested in vices says this community desper- becoming volunteers should sub- ately needs. : Money from the approved grant will be directed towards hir- ing a qualified person to train local volunteers. The volunteers will then have a direct affiliation with the safe-home system, which will allow a women who is in dis- tress the option of calling a volun- _ ter. for assistance. The volunteer would then respond by providing + the woman and her children with transportation to another volun- tcer’s home where, she would spend the next 24-hours. ‘During this crucial time, an abused woman would have time “-to ponder her situation in a secure By Leigh Rubin “That was my favorite drum... u can either pay to have fixed or | can take it out of your hide.” — Patricia Lakes Vice-chairperson Creators toot Legh Raced sections _ 26 ae Landers -hour pl esati course on how to make wreaths and trees. The Course took place at the Recreation