Kitselas First Nation is anticipating the completion of its long-awaited community hall.
The construction of the community hall, valued at $23 million, is expected to be completed in November 2024.
Funded partially through OSR (Own Source Revenue) generated from impact benefit agreements, including the LNG project, the hall will be a hub for various activities and services for the community.
“This hall will be the heart of our community, where people can come together to play, celebrate, and support one another,” said Chief Councillor Glenn Bennett.
With a capacity of 1,000 people, the community hall will have a gymnasium, youth centre, child care centre, and Elders centre. It will also include a commercial kitchen, bar and separate bathrooms. A 22-foot totem pole will be placed at the entrance of the hall.
Started in spring 2023, the construction has faced delays attributed to logistical issues such as material procurement and electrical system installation.
“Some of the people who were a part of the design of the facility were in other countries,” Bennett said.
“We don’t have three-phased power here. We have to pay for the substation, which is going to cost us about a million dollars.”
Bennet said the single-storey hall would have cost only $9 million if the construction had been completed before COVID.
Ulyses Venegas, the project lead, also highlighted the plan of building a playground for children behind the community hall and the participation of women in the construction.
“It is amazing and empowering to see young women working at the construction site,” said Venegas.
The community hall was designed by Nancy McCann from McCann Associates.