FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2018
SLRD and Village Support Transfer of Recreation Services Management to the Village of Pemberton
Recreation Service to Maintain Current Levels During and Following Management Transfer
PEMBERTON, BC –The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) and the Village of Pemberton (Village) have agreed to pursue a transfer of the management of the Pemberton and District Recreation Service from the SLRD to the Village. Staff from both organizations will draft a Management Agreement to set out the terms and conditions of the transfer; the draft is expected to be presented to the SLRD Board and Village Council for approval in the fall.
Intended to have minimal impact on the delivery of Recreation Services and its employees, both the SLRD and the Village have agreed that the terms of the Management Agreement will provide employment certainty for Recreation Service employees, and all recreation assets currently within the Recreation Service will remain unchanged. The current funding model and governance structure will also be maintained.
“The SLRD has been an effective manager and partner in delivering Recreation Services for over 20 years in the Pemberton Valley. They have excelled at meeting the needs of the community while providing inclusive and creative programming for our residents,” says Mayor Mike Richman. “As the Village continues to grow, it was timely to revisit the management structure. As we transition this Service, the focus will be on continuing to provide quality recreation programming and seeking new recreation opportunities to add to the Service.”
“We’ve come a long way since the Recreation Service was first established, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished,” says SLRD Area C Director, Russell Mack. “We salute our recreation staff for their passion and commitment, and we look forward to working with the Village to ensure that this important shared service continues to deliver excellent recreation programming and amenities to valley residents.”
Once the SLRD Board and the Village Council have approved the Agreement, the transfer will be effective seven (7) months following the approval by both parties. At that time, the Village will assume the management of the service and recreation staff will transition to become employees of the Village. The Agreement duration will be for five years, with an option to renew for two additional 5-year terms.
During the transition, SLRD Area C and Village residents can expect no impacts to the Recreation Service or to the Pemberton & District Community Centre operations.
To learn more about the current Recreation Service and programming, visit www.slrd.bc.ca/Pemberton-AreaC/Recreation.
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About the Pemberton and District Recreation Service
The Pemberton and District Recreation Service is currently operated by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and funded by SLRD Electoral Area C and the Village of Pemberton. It operates and programs the Pemberton & District Community Centre, the Youth and Senior Centre, Pemberton Meadows and Signal Hill fields, as well as Gates Lake Community Park. The Recreation Service is overseen by the Pemberton Valley Utilities and Services Committee (PVUS), which is a committee of the SLRD Board convened to discuss recreation and other shared services between SLRD Electoral Area C and the Village of Pemberton.
About the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District www.slrd.bc.ca
Located in southwestern BC, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is a local government federation consisting of four member municipalities (District of Lillooet, Village of Pemberton, Resort Municipality of Whistler, District of Squamish) and four unincorporated rural Electoral Areas (A, B, C, D). Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a range of local, sub-regional and regional services to approximately 42,665 residents (2016 Census).
About the Village of Pemberton www.pemberton.ca
Pemberton is one of the most desirable communities in BC and home to family farms, fresh outdoor adventures and stunning vistas. With over 2500 residents and just 30 km from Whistler, Pemberton prides itself on its creative and collaborative approach with the business community, local volunteer groups, neighbouring communities and key business and tourism partners such as Tourism Pemberton and the Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce. Pemberton’s mild winters, warm summers and unique pioneer heritage provide an ideal place to enjoy arts, culture, history, recreation, dining, shopping and comfortable lodging.
Media inquiries to be directed to:
Jeannette Nadon
Communications and Engagement Manager
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District
Phone: 604.894.6371 x239
Email: jnadon@slrd.bc.ca
Jill Brooksbank
Sr. Communications & Grants Coordinator
Village of Pemberton
Phone: 604.894.6135 x230
Email: jbrooksbank@pemberton.ca