Excitement continues to build toward a year-long party in Armstrong.
Groups and organizations are meeting with city councillors to help plan festivities for 2017, which is Canada’s 150th birthday.
“We have successes already happening,” said Coun. Shirley Fowler, explaining that three organizations: the Royal Canadian Legion, chamber of commerce and Armstrong Curling Club, have requested letters of support from the city as they apply for funding to host events in 2017.
The legion is looking at putting on two plays with one focusing on the history of the organization.
The curling club is planning a big reunion weekend in May 2017 for everyone that’s been involved with the club since around 1951.
“The chamber is hosting three or four events for Canada Day, but also will have some Canada 150 themed activities,” said Fowler.
Other groups and organizations have come forward to say they don’t need funding but are interested in hosting events.
The next meeting on Canada 150 activities in Armstrong will be held on Monday, Feb. 29, at 5 p.m. in council chambers.
Sister city travels
Things are looking up for a 2016 visit to Armstrong’s new sister city, Rathfriland, Northern Ireland.
The city’s sister city committee has been in talks with a travel agency about a package open to all residents of Armstrong, Spallumcheen and the North Okanagan.
“The plan is for us to go there this year, and to have Rathfriland residents come here in 2017,” said Pieper.
A 10-day excursion to Ireland is being planned for September, while a six-day jaunt to Rathfriland is likely to occur between Oct. 1 and 8, with travellers staying in the nearby community of Newcastle, about 10 miles outside of Rathfriland.
“Those are the three weeks we’re looking at now,” said Pieper. “We have no costs yet. If anybody is interested in the trips, they can get a hold of us and we’ll put them on our communications list.
“If we could get 20-to-30 people, that would be fantastic.”
There has also been talk about establishing a “pen-pal” style of communication between elementary students from the two communities.
Deal reached with Canlan
The city and township have reached agreement on a new five-year deal with Canlan Ice Sports to manage the jointly owned Armstrong Spallumcheen Parks and Recreation facilities and programs.
The deal runs until Dec. 31, 2020.
Agreement highlights include an annual, consolidated management fee starting at $178,980.03 with a 1.5 per cent increase for each of the remaining years, and a performance incentive for the manager to reduce the operating deficit.