Contracts have been authorized for most of the planned improvements at the Blackpool Community Hall. New insulated commercial doors have already been installed on the building. Work has commenced on repairing and upgrading the rear storage room. Work to install new roofing on the entire building has been approved and will commence in the very near future. Volunteers have removed half of the old chinking in the building and a contractor will complete this part of the project prior to installing new chinking. Insulation upgrades to the attic space and flat roof portion have also been approved. Additional interior work is planned to the ceiling at the rear of the hall. This includes removal of the flat tiled ceiling, insulation upgrades and drywall installation. Usage of the hall has increased dramatically in the past two years and all these improvements will make the hall much more energy efficient and more comfortable for users during the winter months. These improvements are being funded with a Federal Gas Tax grant of $80,000 that was approved earlier this year. A side benefit to the project is local employment as the majority of the work is being completed by contractors from Little Fort and Vavenby. Volunteers have also played a very significant role in the revitalization of the Blackpool Community Hall, both in hosting events and undertaking many other improvements to the hall.
Vavenby Cell Service
Agreements for shared use of the Vavenby Television Rebroadcasting site have been signed and approved by all parties and TELUS is still moving forward with the project. At this point TELUS expects to have cell service in Vavenby operational by the end of December. TELUS will be installing their own power service to the site and is in the process of securing an easement for the power line. The existing service does not have the capacity to meet the requirements for the cell service. TELUS also continues to work on cell sites in the Avola and Blue River locations.