Image credit: Falkland Stampede

By Liam Verster-Vernon Matters

Falkland Stampede

Nearly $500K needed for Falkland Stampede upgrades

Jan 17, 2024 | 11:00 AM

FALKLAND, B.C. — The Falkland Stampede grounds are in need of costly renovations, and local government is being asked to provide financial support for the work.

A report to the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Board of Directors said the grounds, owned and operated by the Falkland and District Community Association (FDCA), are in need of upgrades to make it safer, more accessible, and bring structures and wiring up to code.

Included in the work is replacing the fence along Highway 97 that was first installed in the 1960s; removing old wiring and upgrading current wiring and services inside the grounds; replacing the rotting wood on stairs and ramps; bringing the railings on the lower grandstands and announcer’s booth up to code; permanently removing a concession booth that is too old to repair and building a new facility that can be certified by Interior Health; and replacing a roof that was removed from the current grandstand due to age.

The cost of the work is estimated at $561,543, and the FDCA said it is committed to providing cash in-kind/labour support valued at $95,000, but still need support from the CSRD to cover the remaining $466,543.

The report to the CSRD board stated the funding could be provided through the Strategic Priorities Community Works Fund (gas tax), which, as of time of publication, had a balance of approximately $804,000.

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CSRD staff are recommending the board approve the request and enter into an agreement with the FDCA that transfers the obligations on ownership and reporting to the association. That would mean that the FDCA would have to maintain records, provide access to auditors, spend funding on eligible costs for eligible projects, and report to the CRSD on the outcomes of the work.

The board will discuss the report at their meeting Thursday, Jan. 18.

The FDCA hosts the Falkland Stampede on the May long weekend which last year celebrated its 103rd anniversary.

Vernon Matters has reached out to the association for further comment.