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Royals $1M donation a ‘bold statement’

Red Deer College hopes a $1 million commitment for its sports and wellness centre will be enough to press the provincial government to make the building a financial priority as well.
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Members of the Red Deer Royals brass quintet play in the foyer of the College Arts Centre Thursday.

Red Deer College hopes a $1 million commitment for its sports and wellness centre will be enough to press the provincial government to make the building a financial priority as well.

Central Alberta’s award-winning marching show band, Red Deer Royals, announced on Thursday it will contribute $1 million towards the construction of RDC Centre for Sport and Wellness. It will include a multi-purpose field house of 48,420 square feet — where the Royals will have enough space to practise their marching formations on a regular, permanent basis.

College president Joel Ward said the $1 million from a community group will speak volumes as the college awaits provincial funding.

“It’s a bold statement and I hope our government partners are listening,” Ward told the crowd gathered inside the RDC Arts Centre foyer.

The entire 350,000-square-foot Centre for Sport and Wellness — which includes classroom space, gym and indoor track, and program expansion for health and wellness — will cost more than $100 million. It will be situated on the northeast side of the college, where a lot of building expansion has already occurred.

Ward said Alberta Advanced Education and Technology supports the project, but the government’s desire to balance the provincial budget means the college will have to wait its turn.

“But we know this project is going to take place and this announcement lets the government know that this community still supports this project.”

Ward estimated the government will turn its finances around in 2012 and that’s when the college will lobby hard for project funding. Over the last three and a half years, the college has raised about $20 million, but needs another $18 million. The province typically invests 80 to 85 per cent, he added.

The whole building will take about 32 months to construct. Ward said schematic designs have been finished.

The college also announced it would match the Royals’ commitment of $1 million. Red Deer’s Kinsmen Club has kickstarted the Royals’ fundraising campaign with $100,000. With this, the Royals have raised $272,000.

College leaders described the Royals as great ambassadors for Central Alberta as they travel around the world to compete and showcase their music.

“It will be fantastic to have a permanent home for the Royals,” said Ingrid Anderson, president of the Red Deer Royals Alumni Association.

ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com