Rio Tinto has donated $450,000 to the Vanderhoof Aquatic Centre.
The cheque presentation took place on Nov. 3 at the pool in Vanderhoof and was announced by Affonso Bizon, general manager of Rio Tinto BC Works in the presence of the district’s mayor Gerry Thiessen.
To celebrate this donation, a free swim and BBQ was open to the public at the pool.
“For Rio Tinto this is an opportunity to promote health and well-being in the community,” said Simon Letendre, director of media relations for Canada and the US.
READ MORE: Q & A with Rio Tinto Operations Director
“We believe this infrastructure will not only contribute to the community’s ability to generate local economic activity by attracting regional swim meets but will also support the great quality of life Vanderhoof already has to offer,” Letendre said.
Vanderhoof mayor Gerry Thiessen said it is a great donation by the company and will help the pool run programs and more.
The contribution from the company will not affect other negotiations that are underway between the district of Vanderhoof and Rio Tinto BC Works in regard to the operation of the Kenney Dam which affects the flow of the Nechako River, Thiessen said.
Aman Parhar
Editor, Vanderhoof Omineca Express
aman.parhar@ominecaexpress.com
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