Page 6 September 1981 Cassiar Courier

In spite of the fact that Cassiar is a small
town, the type and quality of the recreat-
ion facilities is really quite extensive.
Whether you like doing things on your
own or with a group Cassiar almost al-
ways has something to offer.

SWIMMING

The Lion’s Pool was also a Centennial Project. It was
built in 1967 by the Lions Club and turned over to the
Community Club for operation the same year. The pool
is open in the summer months only although the season
is gradually being lengthened each year. The “home”
of the Cassiar Clippers the pool is one of the busiest spots
in town during the summer.

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There has been a Brownie Pack in Cassiar for @ good many
years. In 1980, Boy Scout and Cub packs were formed
and also a Guide Patrol. These organizations had folded
-in previous years because of a lack of leaders in town. The
meetings for all of the “scouting” organizations in Cassiar
‘are held in the rec centre, although they actually come un-
der the umbrella of the national guiding and scouting
. organizations. As well as being fun, these groups help de-
velop good leadership qualities in the young people who
are members.

RECREATION

ARENA

The Arena was built in 1967 as a Centennial project. A

centennial grant helped to pay for the ice plant. The

building was actually built by volunteer labour with
money raised by the local residents. The roof was not
completed until 1968. The piping and cement floor was
installed by Cassiar Asbestos Corp. in 1977, with money
from the "jade fund” covering the cost. Money from the
jade fund was also used to purchase the Zamboni.

The Arena was turned over to the Community Club in
1976. Activities enjoyed at the Arena are ice hockey,
figure skating, public skating and in Summer roller
skating.

SQUASH
Casca Racquets Club was formed in June 1979. Local res-
idents held fund raising events and built the squash court
on the stage at the community club. They received some
financial assistance from the company. The club then
turned over the operation to the community club together
with funds amounting to approximately $4,700 .

A great deal of the recreation in Cassiar is centred around
the rec, centre and the facilities which are offered there.
Some activities are actually organized by the community
club and come under their financial umbrella. Others
are organized by independent clubs which are respon-

sible for their own finances. Persons belonging to-clubs.

which use community club facilities must be paid up
members of the community club.

Indoor recreation activities include badminton, table-
tennis, pool, basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, gym-
nastics, bridge and for those. who enjoy body building
there is a universal gym room.

SSS

Re WAM S

The Community Ciub has a vast number of —

assets ‘and facilities, all of which have to be
maintained, run and distributed. The majority ;

of clubs in town do at some time or other use

these Community Club facilities.

With sv many people and organizations using the same fac-
ilities it is necessary to co-ordinate the various schedules.
This is taken care of by the Community Club staff. The
business manager of the Community Club is Gary Periard.
He and his staff of between 30 and 40 are also responsible
for the maintenance and management of the numerous
recreation facilities and of other assets belonging to the

club.

The jade fund also financed the building of a new theatre
completed in March 1978. This was then handed over to
the Community Club for operation. The concert society
built a hardwood stage and installed a grand piano in the
theatre; all concert society performances are held in the
theatre. The society plans to make further improvements
in the theatre.

It should be noted that the Company donated three quart-
ers of a million dollars in 1978 for new recreation facil-
ities and the upgrading of existing facilities belonging to
the Community Club.They also wrote off a Community
Club deficit of $90,000.

AURORA ARTS CENTRE

The Aurora Arts Centre was completed in 1979. The build-
ing was donated by Cassiar Asbestos Corp. and a Govern-
ment grant helped defray the cost of installation. The
Town Council purchased four potters wheels, a kiln,
photography equipment and various other equipment and
supplies from Clinton Creek: These were all installed in
the centre. Apart from the numerous courses offered at
the centre it is also the location for art exhibitions held
by local artists from time to time.

A major winter activity is curling. The building for the
curling club is owned by the community club, but the

club is self supporting. There has been a curling club in
Cassiar for 27 years.

Many forms of recreation don’t require a great deal of equipment. With
all the beautiful country surrounding Cassiar, the area is a haven for X-
country skiers and snowmobilers alike - or even a Stroll in the summer.
Other outdoor activities include tennis, soccer, baseball, gardening, fishing

camping hunting and canoeing.

Cassiar Courier September 1981 Page 7

McDame Ski Club installed a new platter lift in 1978.
The equipment was purchased by the company and in-
stalled by volunteers. It was officially opened in the fall
of ’78 and in August 1979 was handed over to the com-
munity club together with remaining funds amounting to
$4,200. :