Glenwood Hall will soon be undergoing some much needed upgrades.
The rustic hall on Telkwa High Road, also known as Driftwood Hall, has been up and running since 1951. The property was purchased in 1947 for $35.
The local women’s institute owns the building and the Glenwood Hall Committee runs it. The hall was named Glenwood because it was built by the residents of Driftwood and Glentanna.
It now needs a new roof, insulation, well repairs, plumbing and electrical upgrades. The total cost for the project is almost $200,000.
Project manager Corol Johnson said the association that runs the hall has been working hard to raise the money. About $150,000 has come in through various grants but approximately $50,000 is still needed.
She said they have surveyed their members and most people don’t want to see drastic changes done to the old building.
“Save the spirit is our slogan,” Johnson said,
“We want it to be an old country hall but we want it to work better so that more people will hire it so we can balance the books.”
Bulkley Valley musician and board member Mark Perry said he loves to play there and also wants to keep the integrity of the hall during the upgrades.
“It’s a neat hall. Of course, I’m slightly slanted but I think it is the coolest hall there is,” he said.
“It is the real thing. You look at the floor and it is so solid, so woody and earthy. It’s the classic country hall.”
“I remember playing there once and someone from California said to me that if he could move the hall to L.A. he could make millions, there just isn’t anything else like it around.”
Johnson said they are appealing to the community to bring in the rest of the money because it would be more costly to put off parts of the project in the long run. She noted it only makes sense to upgrade the electrical while the walls are opened to add more insulation. Changes in codes and regulations have made some of these upgrades expensive.
They will be holding off any construction until after the wedding season as not to disrupt any events this summer.
An account has been set up at the Bulkey Valley Credit Union for anyone wanting to donate.
Donors of $200 or more will have their name engraved on a plaque to be displayed at the hall.
Valley farmers are also helping to raise money. They are donating manure with all the proceeds going to the renovations. A pickup load will cost $25 and interested gardeners can contact Johnson for more information at 250-847-9102.