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Port authority donates $125,000 to help replace Lester Centre roof

The Lester Centre is halfway to its funding goal of $250,000 for a new roof after a $125,000 contribution by the port authority
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Counc. Wade Niesh accepts a $125

The Lester Centre of the Arts is halfway to its funding goal of $250,000 for a new roof after a $125,000 contribution by the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) concluded the company's annual public meeting on Thursday.

The investment, stemming from the port's Community Investment Fund, will help the City of Prince Rupert replace the 21-year-old lid that was showing current signs of moss growth, rusting, debris piling and drain blokage, stated a release by the PRPA.

The City of Prince Rupert approached the port authority earlier in the year and identified the Lester Centre's roof as a priority project, with work scheduled to start over the summer should the funding goal be met.

"The Lester Centre of the Arts is a tremendous community asset and serves as a focal point for this community's rich culture of arts, entertainment and civic conversation," said PRPA president and CEO Don Krusel on Thursday.

"However it is also a physical asset that requires a significant amount of repair and maintenance to keep going."

With construction completed, it's expected a new roof will help minimize future operating costs, City of Prince Rupert engineering coordinator Richard Pucci mentioned in the release.

"[It] translates to an increase in servicing and events," he said.

Coun. Wade Niesh was on hand to accept the donation for the city.

"It's definitely greatly appreciated by the City of Prince Rupert. From the city's perspective, we've had struggles for 10 years now and it's great to see the that port has now moved on and is performing well and we hope to continue to work in partnership with the port and just keep this barrel rolling," said the councillor.