Since 1959, users of the Crescent Valley Community Hall — previously the local elementary school — have been using the same aged, cramped washrooms. This will change once renovations are complete, thanks to $15,277 in support from Columbia Basin Trust. The project is being spearheaded by the Crescent Valley Hall Society, which manages and maintains the hall.
The main goals of the renovation are to make the washrooms environmentally friendly and accessible to everyone, including people in wheelchairs. For example, low-flush toilets and motion-sensing light and fan switches will be installed. To allow universal access, a hot water tank will be relocated and entry doors and vanities will be replaced.
"Once renovations are complete, the washrooms will be in compliance with current design standards for both energy efficiency and universal access," said Lynda Lafleur, Columbia Basin Trust Community liaison. "We're pleased that this will make the hall more usable."
The hall was an elementary school until 1978, when it was donated by the school board to the community. Since then it has been used by many different groups, as well as individuals, for various purposes. It also currently houses the Sequoia Learning Centre, which provides lifelong learning programs to a range of community members.
"By providing space to everything from dance classes, to weddings, to government elections, the hall has been an asset at the heart of our community for over 50 years," said Phil Chernenkoff, Crescent Valley Hall Society. "Upgrading the washrooms to current standards allows us to demonstrate leadership in our community with regard to environmental and universal-access building design."
Columbia Basin Trust delivers economic, social and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit www.cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.