Big changes are in store for the View Royal Community Association.
The association is currently looking into several options for renovating or rebuilding its facility at 279 Island Hwy. to meet an increase in demand of groups wanting to use the space.
“We’re hoping to find a way to have a better View Royal Community Association facility that would increase interest in our association,” said board chairperson Barb Bishop Fetherstonhaugh.
“In the last eight years we’ve gone from a small bank account to something that’s going to enable us to start looking into this idea of building and that’s mostly because we have a lot more renters in it.”
The facility was originally built in the 1950s, but has endured a few floods in recent years, which has worn down the foundation, and is in need of repairs.
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There has also been an increase in the number of groups wanting to use the facility. There is a daycare and pre-school that operate in the building during the day.
The upper hall is often used as a meeting place for Guides and Brownies, as well as a dance group, a step program and a yoga group that will soon use the venue. But due to the size of the space, some clubs, such as the View Royal Gardening Club, have been forced to meet elsewhere.
In addition, the hall is also rented out for community events on weekends.
The association is pondering two options for a new facility: the first to sell the current property and purchase a new one to build the facility on and library. The second option is to replace the current hall, increase parking capacity and add a library as well.
Bishop Fetherstonhaugh said the money they currently have is enough to get the process started with plans, but the association will need to apply for grants and potentially work with the Town of View Royal or developers to get the project off the ground.
“We really would prefer to find a better spot to find have the association that would have more parking and be more central to View Royal,” Bishop Fetherstonhaugh said.
“It’s not something we’re going to build next year, but it is something that we’re serious about … there’s a need for a better space.”