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Financial boost for D-Coy Armories from Rotary

Nov 8, 2018 | 5:49 AM

Rotary Club of Grande Prairie has committed $1.8 million for the D-Coy Armories restoration project.  With the renovation, the facility will be expanded to make room for new classrooms, meeting rooms, washrooms, storage, and a full kitchen.

“The existing classrooms and storage inside the facility will actually be torn down so we can expand the parade square,” explained Project Leader for the D-Coy Community Hub Project Andy Stewart. “Both Army and Air Cadets, their programs have grown considerably, and they could use the extra space.  Plus, having that whole floor opened up return it to sort-of its original look and feel and makes it a great facility for running larger community events.”

The commitment of $1.8 million from Rotary was voted for by an overwhelming majority of club members.  Stewart says they couldn’t be happier with the donation and it really kicks off the project in an exciting way.

“D-Coy has a long history here in Grande Prairie as a community centre and as a home for youth programming, most notably the cadets.  We’re hoping though this project to continue that tradition and make it a community hub, continue to support the cadets and give the armories a new life.”

The project will cost over 3 million dollars and Stewart says they will be looking to raise the other $1.3 million through donations, grants and with help from groups that use the building. 

There is not a specific date set yet for when work will start.

“Nothing set in stone yet, but we want to get it done as soon as possible. And keeping in mind, we want to get the construction done as quickly as possible when it starts so that it minimizes the impact on the programming in that facility.”