After more than a decade of debates, referendums and begging for funding the new West Fraser Arena in Quesnel is now just one small formality away from getting the green light for construction.
The North Cariboo Joint Planning Committee last night unanimously approved the final construction contract and the all-in project cost.
The motion was made by Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson.
The contract to Vic Van Isle Construction is worth just over 17 million 981 thousand dollars.
Construction is expected to begin sometime next month with a completion date of July of 2017
Notable changes included going with two compressors for the ice plant instead of three and one scoreboard instead of two.
The project still has to be approved by the overall Cariboo Regional District Board although it is considered a formality at this point.
(Files from George Henderson)