The Grassy Plains Community Hall has experienced significant foundation deterioration due to rot caused by water.
A structural review performed on the hall indicated that, due to its foundation damage, the building was not safe for use by the public unless and until repairs were completed.
The Regional District of Bulkley Nechako has authorized the withdrawal of $160,000 from the Federal Gas Tax Reserve Fund, also known as Canada Community Building BC Funds.
Clint Lambert, RDBN Francois/Ootsa Lake director, supports this recreation infrastructure project and funds access from Area E.
According to the RDBN report, in 2022, a contribution of $50,000 was approved to begin the engineering work, and approximately $40,000 remained. The report notes that the additional contribution will complete the project budget and enable the foundation repair work to occur this year.
The Nechako-Kitamaat Development Fund Society Board has also approved $50,000 to assist with repairing the foundation of the Grassy Plains Hall and restoring the venue for community use.
The Grassy Plains Community Hall is a well-utilized community asset used to host holiday events, community barbeques, emergency support training and workshops, family dances, softball tournaments and summer festivals. The facility was also used as a staging area for support services during wildfire events.
Adele Gooding, Grassy Plains Community Hall Association president, said “We’ve been looking for funds for quite sometime and received funding from non-local organizations. I think we’re almost at the point to start the renovations.”
She said the hall’s drain field, ventilation and joints must be fixed or replaced. She added that the cost of renovation was estimated to be more than $300,000 and expects to complete it by fall. She stated that the hall had been condemned due to a lack of proper drain field and ventilation in the basement area.
The association will still host their annual mud bog this year on June 1.