The renovations at Centre 64 are now complete.
Two buildings that serve important community needs have been upgraded with Trust support: one in the East Kootenay and one in the West.
Centre 64, Kimberley
In Kimberley, residents and visitors will continue to enjoy a vibrant arts and cultural community thanks to just-completed upgrades to Centre 64, the city’s cultural hub. The $245,000 project was undertaken by the City of Kimberley, with $90,000 in support from the Trust.
Built in 1926, Centre 64 has been home to the city’s arts and culture community since 1976. It houses a theatre, gallery and dance studio, and hosts dozens of events each year. When the building was last renovated in the 1970s, it met the building and fire codes at the time. However, regulations have since changed. The upgrades included installing fire suppression sprinklers and a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
"Before the upgrades, the facility did not meet building or fire codes and we were going to have to close it for safety reasons," said Kevin Wilson, Economic Development Officer, City of Kimberley. "This project has now made the facility safe, will improve the patron experience, and will ensure Centre 64’s continued operation for years to come."
"Centre 64 is an important cultural and economic asset for the community," said Lynda Lafleur, Community Relationships Manager, Columbia Basin Trust. "It helps support artists and cultural groups in the community and region, increases tourism to the area, and enhances the lives of locals."
Rossland Thrift Store
The Rossland Health Care Auxiliary Society has upgraded its thrift store with support from the Trust. This project will help it continue to support local health care needs.
"Since the early 1940s, our thrift store business has been enhancing local health care services and increasing the comfort of patients and residents," said Joan Hanson, Society President. "This renovation has made the building more safe and sanitary for our volunteers and customers."
Renovations included improving basement access by installing an emergency door and increasing air quality by installing a heat recovery ventilation system. These follow previous upgrades to items like the sales area, storage spaces, insulation, and fire and carbon dioxide alarms. These have all helped the shop comply with health and safety standards and building and fire codes.
"The thrift store is an important part of the Rossland community," said Kelvin Saldern, Community Relationships Manager, Columbia Basin Trust. "Not only do profits get donated to local health care organizations, but the store itself provides low-cost items to those in need. Plus it keeps used items from ending up in the landfill."
