It’s been three months since our last newsletter – our apologies for being late with our regular update of happenings at the Hall. However, it’s also a sign of how busy we have been now that we’re finally in the construction phase of the Lund Gathering Place and many of you will have noticed the day-to-day progress on the building site.
Already, the roofline with its curved steel bars and wood beams and the overall footprint anticipate the beauty and originality of the finished design – we can’t wait till it’s completed and being put to use by islanders.
With our contractor, James Strobl Construction Ltd., we know we are in good and capable hands and with oversight and constant updates from our volunteer project manager, Graham MacDonald, we have confidence that the project is on schedule and on budget. The Hall would also like to express its gratitude to Bob Rooks and Gabriola Gravel and Excavating for so generously donating their services and making a significant contribution to the project.
We have decided to organize the official opening – with all the attendant ribbon-cutting fanfare – in conjunction with the 69th Annual Salmon BBQ on August 10th, making it an extra special celebration which we hope will bring the whole island together. Mark your calendars!
As we mentioned in our December newsletter, the building will be completed in accordance with the grant requirements but some other design features such as the green roof and some interior elements, are beyond the scope of our current grant and will depend on obtaining further funding.
Last August we submitted an application for a BC Gaming Capital Project Grant to be able to complete all these features which will make the Lund Gathering Place a worthy showpiece and a community asset for generations to come. Unfortunately, our application was deemed ineligible because of a clerical error. This was a huge blow, especially given the amount of work required to put together the application, but we have rectified that error, dusted ourselves off, and are readying to submit a new application in the summer. Onwards and upwards!
And, of course, notwithstanding all the kerfuffle created by the construction, the Hall continues to function as always, hosting special events and regular classes – a huge thank you to our renters for their patience and understanding.
Joyce Babula, President
On behalf of the Board of Directors