The Thompson-Nicola Regional District's board has approved a maximum of $100,000 for upgrades to the Darfield Community Hall. The money is allocated from the Federal Gas Tax Community Works Fund.
The money goes to environmentally friendly upgrades to the community hall's siding, doors, windows, roof and wall insulation and electrical fixtures. A new electric furnace replaced the existing wood burning furnace earlier this year, which was approved by the board in a separate Gas Tax Fund application.
"This hall is like a heritage building to us in the community," said Bonnie CruzelleMyram, TNRD director for Electoral Area "O" (Lower North Thompson). "In the past it's hosted countless dances, weddings and special events. Now I'm sure there will be many more smiles, both young and old, as the hall is restored back to top notch shape."
The Federal Gas Tax Fund supports environmentally sustainable infrastructure through upgrades to public transit, community energy systems, drinking water, wastewater, green energy, solid waste management and local roads and capacity building projects.
"This year we had a Halloween and a Christmas party because of the new electrical heating," said Debbie Rainer, secretary/treasurer of the Darfield Community Hall. "So we're looking forward to the further upgrades that will allow us to host more events at the hall."
Since 2007 the TNRD has approved 41 projects totaling $2.1 million to help fund more environmentally sound initiatives and upgrades within the region.