Prince George, B.C. – The federal government is providing half a million dollars toward the upgrade of the Sam Katcham Pool at the Cariboo Memorial Complex in Williams Lake.

Cariboo-Prince George MP Dick Harris makes the announcement on behalf of Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, Michelle Rempel, with the funds coming out of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.  The federal government made a commitment to spend $150 million to help fund renovations, expansions and rehabilitations to existing infrastructure that provides community and cultural benefits for the public.

Harris says the “government’s investment in the renovations to the Sam Ketcham Pool will contribute towards the health and wellness of our community while helping to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.”

Cariboo Regional District Area F Director Joan Sorley says “the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex and the Sam Ketcham Pool provides enormous social and economic benefits to the region and plays an important role in the overall wellness of our residents,”This is another great example of what can be accomplished when different levels of government work together in collaboration.”

Renovations and upgrades to the pool will take place over the next two years.  In a referendum held last November voters authorized the Cariboo Regional District to borrow up to $10 million for the pool upgrades.