Much-needed upgrades are finally coming to the Village of Midway's Community Centre now that funds and a contractor have been secured.
Much-needed upgrades are finally coming to the Village of Midway's Community Centre now that funds and a contractor have been secured.
A news release from village administration stated North Mountain Construction has been awarded the Midway Community Centre Retrofit and Upgrade Project. The project starts next month.
The upgrades and retrofits to the 692 Seventh Ave., building will include energy efficient upgrades, wheelchair accessibility upgrades, a new covered ramp and an elevator, as well as new washrooms, kitchen and bar.
The project manager is Wendy Higashi.
The total construction cost for this project will be $2,468,194.00, plus GST.
The upgrades and retrofit are to increase the use and comfort for utilizing the facility, as well as make it more accessible, explained village CAO Lisa Teggerty.
"The construction company has put up the signs, it's fenced off and work is getting underway right now. It's taken a while to get this project going because of COVID, pricing and the scale of it, but this is a vital hub for the community because it brings people together," she said. "It's a vital part of our community and we're looking at having a lot more events, like weddings and celebrations of life being held there. It was overdue for Midway, for sure
Even now, Teggarty said there's been inquiries about booking events. The current centre was "dated" and had access issues, said Teggarty.
The Village received $1,585,660.00 in grant funding for this project, $1,185,660.00 from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Fund and $400,000.00 from the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Fund. Dividends received from West Boundary Community Forest, contributions made to the Community Hall Reserve Fund and a generous donation will be used to fund the remainder of this project.
In addition, the Midway Community Association donated $60,000 towards the elevator. Teggarty explained they are heavily involved with the community centre and it will be a huge benefit to them.
The community centre is also the home of the Midway and Beyond Little Theatre group, which Teggarty is looking at having shows and practices in the Boundary Central Secondary School.
Council will be providing an update on the progress during the construction on the Village website. While there is no definitive timeline, Teggarty said she is hoping it will be finished by next spring.