Construction estimated to cost more than $34M...
Residents of Hudson's Hope, B.C., have voted to approve borrowing up to $10 million to fund a new community hall and multi-use gathering space, following a referendum held on Saturday. It’s a significant investment for the small town of about 1,000 people, located near the foothills of the Northern Rockies, roughly 85 kilometres west of Fort St. John.
Mayor Travous Quibell, recently re-elected, called it a big moment for the community, noting it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the old hall that has been a fixture since the 1960s.
"But it's the first step, in moving to a new building. The old building was beyond it's service life," he said. "It was condemned and there was a fairly significant amount of age related damage."
The new facility is estimated at more than $34 million dollars in construction costs, but would also function as a warming shelter during cold snaps, and act as an emergency operations centre during wildfires.
Quibell explained that financial support for the new hall is being sought from industry partners, including B.C. Hydro and oil and gas companies.
“We have to get out there, knock on doors, put feet on the pavement, and chase the fundraising to cover the remaining costs,” he said. The District of Hudson’s Hope noted that repairing the old hall was too expensive, leading to its demolition this fall after being closed since 2023 due to health and safety concerns.
A total of 174 ballots were cast in favor of borrowing funds, compared to 156 against.
Both new and returning councillors secured seats, with Tashana Winnicky, Greta Goddard, Debbie Beattie, and Tina Jeffrey rejoining the council, while Kimberly Stacey and Rob Douglas are joining for the first time.
Of 769 eligible voters, 327 cast ballots, marking a turnout of about 43 per cent.
Quibell expressed his excitement about collaborating with familiar faces and welcoming the two new members to the council.
News97.ca with files from CBC
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