A ribbon cutting, is a ribbon cutting, is a ribbon cutting.

But this one was certainly special.

It signified a new era in Oliver – one focussed on fitness, and a better lifestyle.

The Grand Opening for the Oliver Community Weight Room took place Monday morning at Oliver Community Park.

An addition to the old weight room has been added at the south end of the Parks and Rec services building, which also houses meeting rooms.

“Words can’t express how exciting it is to finally have the doors open. People have been waiting and have been very patient with us,” said Parks and Recreation Interim Manager Natalie Alexander, sporting an ear-to-ear grin. “Everyone can use it starting today. We’re back to our original hours, which are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.”

After speeches and the official ribbon cutting by Shiela Lange, chair of the Oliver Parks and Recreation Society, those in attendance were allowed inside for a look.

And size is everything!

The old fitness centre had 800 square feet.

The new fitness centre has 2,300 square feet.

“We’ve added 12 new pieces of equipment, including some cardio equipment. We have elliptical machines, a recumbent bike, an upright bike and three new treadmills,” described Alexander as she looked around the room. “We have a universal gym, which is really exciting for those people who want to lift some serious weight, and a couple of new benches.”

Cost of the new fitness centre was around $200,000.

“It was partially funded through our OPRS (Oliver Parks and Recreation Society) budget, and also through our funding partners,” explained Alexander. “We did have to dip into our reserves, but most of it came out of our budget.”

Those partners include the Town of Oliver, the RDOS and the Osoyoos Indian Band.

“There’s times in local government when you maintain, and there’s times when you’re given the opportunity to grow. This was needed. The weight room was so well-utilized prior to this, but everyone said, there needed to be an expansion,” offered Town of Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes. “I think it’s good for the community. We’ve had a lot of new people who have come to the community the last few years. As our community grows our recreational facilities need to grow.”

There’s no change to the cost of a membership, although Alexander indicates the fee will increase in the spring of 2017. Those fees will be advertised in the new Leisure Guide.

“People, I believe, are attempting to be healthier, especially with the demographics and an aging population, and the importance of staying active,” summarized Hovanes. “Parks and Recreation has focussed for so many years on the youth. But, this is for all generations. I think this makes us more of a well-balanced community.”

Free weight room orientations will take place this evening at 7 p.m., along with Nov. 22 and 23 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.

For more information, call 250-498-4985, or email: info@oliverrecreation.ca.

-Dale Cory