Lake Country Mayor Blair Ireland is absolutely thrilled with the purchase of the old BC Tree Fruits site at 9718 Bottom Wood Lake Road. 

The site sits next to the Winfield Arena. 

"I don't think we could have dreamt up a better spot than this," Ireland said.

The land and the two buildings hit the market after BC Tree Fruits declared bankruptcy in July. The sale to the district was finalized on Nov. 27 at $9.1 million. 

"There is no increase in taxes for this building," Ireland explained that the majority of funds are coming from a provincial grant received in 2023. 

The one-time grant of $6.7 million was presented to Lake Country through the Growing Communities Fund and had been collecting interest in the bank while district staff discussed the best uses for the money. 

Other funds for the purchase are coming from reserves, including $620,000 from the Policing Reserve as the plan is to build a new RCMP detachment on the site. 

The existing buildings on the property are to be renovated into community spaces. Ireland said the space could become anything and community input is now needed on how to best use the buildings. 

Learn more about the purchase and give your input by visiting