Fort St James Skating Oval
Despite being a relatively young club, having a speed skating oval has allowed the Fort St. James Falcons Speed Skating Club to become one of the strongest clubs in the province.
With the help of Community Futures, a 67-foot extension to the oval provided a great opportunity for our young athletes to grow and excel. The skating oval also provided the community with additional recreational assets.
Community Futures assisted in acquiring funding in order for the oval to be extended from 333 metres to an Olympic size 400 metres. The entire existing track and new extension was resurfaced and two additional lighting standards were installed for a total of four. The lighting allowed for extended training time and will eliminate time limitations during competitions.
This project had a positive effect on not only the Speed Skating Club, but for the entire community. The local high school and elementary schools use the oval for running track races in the spring and skating as part of the physical education program. The community soccer club benefits from the re-turfed field and the improved lighting for evening soccer practices. Members of the community utilize the oval for recreational skating, and use it later in the evening with the enhanced lighting. Overall the facilities provide an enhanced recreational facility for our citizens, contributing to general fitness and physical wellness.
While the primary benefits accruing to the community were in the form of enhanced opportunities for both recreational and competitive use of the expanded oval, there have been significant potential economic benefits. When the Canadian Long Track championships are up for bid, Fort St. James will be able to confidently bid on hosting the event. The reality of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver/Whistler provides greater awareness of winter sport and the enhancements to the facility provide an opportunity for northern citizens to benefit from this increased attention.
