The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) board has endorsed actions regarding a proposed Use and Occupancy Agreement for the Stan Halcro Arena with the 100 Mile Agriplex Society.
The decision was made at its Dec. 9 board meeting, upon a recommendation from the South Cariboo Joint Committee, based on information stemming from a staff memo from community services manager Darron Campbell.
The board authorized entering into the agreement with the society, subject to confirmation that an occupancy permit has been issued for the facility, and a stipulation that the third-floor areas of the arena must be closed to the public due to long-term safety concerns.
CRD chair Al Richmond notes the uppermost level of the old arena building has been closed to the public for many years, throughout much of its previous use for event hosting and sporting clubs over the past decade or more, partly due to a steep staircase causing safety and fire access issues.
"The building was built in the late 1970s and the building is being reoccupied in 2011, there are different rules, and so on."
He notes the society has been well aware throughout the approval and renovation process that these areas would not be reopened.