Construction of a new "all ages" active living centre in Plum Coulee is getting closer to reality.
    
The project, spearheaded by Plum Coulee's Age Friendly Committee, has received excellent support, with $216,000 of a $400,000 goal raised so far.  

The committee has been hard at work getting the necessary funds in place through various means, including fundraisers.  "Most of our money so far has come by knocking on doors, writing grants, Goldenwest - CFAM has been very generous, and there have also been other businesses that have also been very generous," said committee

CFAM Station Manager Ang Enns presents a donation to Brian and Dorothy Derksen on behalf of Golden Westmember Brian Derksen.

Derksen said they plan to apply for further grants, and still have some doors to knock on to help reach their goal.

The new active living centre will be built on the site where the current dilapidated seniors centre stands on Main Avenue, and it will be geared to all ages.  "The active living centre is no longer called a senior centre because we have one of the younger populations in Manitoba," noted Derksen.  He said the building needs to be one that serves the whole population. He said during the day the facility will likely resemble a senior centre, but in the evenings they hope to offer activities, games, and various classes for young families.

Derksen said at this point they're looking forward to having a brand new building, compared to the old one which he says did serve them well.  "It must be getting close to 100 years or more, and it has served its purpose."

Up until now, Derksen said rentals of the current facility have been paying the bills and making the centre financially viable, and a new building will accommodate rentals even better.  He says they have heard many positive comments from families who are very anxious to rent the new building.

Related articles:  
"Strong Support For Active Living Centre In Plum Coulee"
"Fund Raising In High Gear For New Plum Coulee Activity Centre"