Long awaited vision becomes reality for west Edmonton communities

EDMONTON – After nearly 10 years of planning, fundraising, and compiling grants two west Edmonton communities finally have a new hall.

The Callingwood/Lymburn Community League held the grand opening on Saturday, which fittingly was Community League Day.

The project cost $1 million, with a large portion coming from fundraising and $100,000 coming from the City of Edmonton.

“I really admire the patience and perseverance of these volunteers to get these buildings built. The city tries to help as much as we can, and it’s definitely worth it once its done,” said Mayor Don Iveson.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I really admire the patience and perseverance of these volunteers to get these buildings built. The city tries to help as much as we can, and it's definitely worth it once its done," said Mayor Don Iveson.

“These are nonprofit groups that work very very hard to raise these kind of dollars. I call this all ‘hot dog money’. It’s all fundraised, it’s all sweat equity,” said Perry Hendriks, general contractor.

The hall features a meeting room, kitchen, storage room, and washroom, sitting next to the community’s outdoor rink.

Mayor Iveson believes community league halls play an important role within a neighbourhood.

“These are the places where lasting friendships are made among children and their parents, volunteers come together in order to understand the needs of their community and do advocacy to city hall, help us understand what these communities need to succeed.”

There are nearly 100 community league halls in Edmonton.