NARAMATA — In two weeks’ time, the heart of the Naramata community will be beating once again.
“It’s been a long couple of years of there being no activity at the Centre. So, we are looking forward to folks being able to come back, being able to enjoy the land and facility,” said Board Treasurer Kathy Hamilton.
For 70 years, the Centre was a retreat for those seeking serenity. It also hosted events such as festivals and family reunions.
But two years ago, about 30 unionized staff went on strike because the Centre wanted to contract out some of their jobs to save money. The facility was in desperate need of funding; despite fundraising efforts, it had to shut down.
READ MORE: Naramata Centre to close its doors after 70 years
Hamilton and the rest of the board have been working toward opening the Centre again. Their dream is coming to fruition.
From the end of May until mid-October, the Centre will be open but scrapping the old model and introducing some changes.
Week-long programs will be offered. The options are fewer than before, but now, anyone can sign up and not just people staying at the Centre. People can rent accommodations such as cottages, campsites, and motel-style units.
“It’s not the same as it was in the past, it is a reinvention of the Centre for an experiment to help people come back,” said contractor Robin Robertson.
- Joffre Lakes to close for 3 periods this year under agreement with First Nations
- ‘Why aren’t we doing more?’ White Rock on edge with killer on the loose
- B.C. carjacking victim says she doesn’t trust the ‘catch-and-release’ system
- Inquest into fatal Surrey hostage-taking recommends cameras for ERT teams
Apart from custodial staff, the Centre will be run mostly by volunteers. Hamilton said this may be the new format moving forward.
Not only locals, but people from other parts of B.C. and even Alberta have signed up to volunteer.
“A lot of the transition and healing in my life’s journey had happened here in programming and community life. So there is a very dear spot in my heart for the Narmata Centre,” said volunteer Lois Huey-Heck.
Hamilton said this will be a test run and admitted they still need to overcome funding issues.
“There is a number of obstacles for us to work through over the longer term. So this is an opportunity for us to test the interest and build up slowly over time,” said Hamilton.
To see what programs are being offered, click here.
Comments