With the lion’s share of labour promised locally, spirits were understandably high as ground broke Friday for the East Kootenay’s largest convention centre.

An all-star lineup of local dignitaries turned earth near the base of the Kimberley Alpine Resort where, in less than a year, the 12,000-square-foot Kimberley Paralympic and Conference Centre will open for up to 350 people seated, 500 standing.

The building will contain several break-out rooms, office space, and will be integrated with the City's Paralympic Training Centre. With the help of local contractors and businesses, the facility should be completed by September 2010.

“This is a great opportunity to attract business and wealth to Kimberley and the East Kootenay,” explained Kootenay-Columbia MP Jim Abbott, before throwing credit to Kimberley Mayor Jim Ogilvie.

“I am in awe of your mayor,” Abbott said. “This kind of activity happening is Kimberley is happening because of Jim.”

The $6-million project is receiving funding from the City of Kimberley, $2-million in federal and provincial infrastructure grants, $2.5-million in additional provincial grants, and Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR) is contributing $300,000, as well as donating the land for the project valued at $450,000. Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has also contributed $300,000.

"The City has done an incredible job in pulling the community together in the face of the Sullivan Mine closure, and this project joins the many others they have successfully implemented to build the infrastructure to support their economic development strategy, providing long-term economic benefits to residents and businesses," said Neil Muth, CBT President and CEO.

While most on hand Friday were directly effected in the project, one man, MLA Bill Bennett, was there offering a hand for a project outside his constituency of Kootenay East. His support and enthusiasm for the centre was not lost on his peers, who thanked him down the line.

“Someday the athletes will be training here and will go out and tell the world how beautiful it is in Kimberley,” Bennett said. “There’s a nice symmetry in having the celebration here today.”

Ogilvie pointed to a bevy of work being offered during a time when job prospects can be sparse.

"New Dawn Developments and their many sub-trades have really worked hard

at bringing this project within budget," said Ogilvie. "New Dawn Developments anticipates at least 85 per cent of the work and materials will be supplied by local businesses. This project will contribute substantially to our regional economy during and after construction."