Advertisement

Donors step up to save Vancouver’s oldest building

Click to play video: 'The Old Hastings Mill Store’ in financial jeopardy'
The Old Hastings Mill Store’ in financial jeopardy
WATCH: (June 18) The Old Hastings Mill Store' in financial jeopardy – Jun 18, 2020

Vancouver’s oldest building — and the museum it houses — will be able to keep the doors open and in good repair, after an outpouring of community support.

The Old Hastings Mill put out an urgent appeal in June, after an annual cultural grant form the City of Vancouver was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Story continues below advertisement

The facility had recently done some key upgrades, and with the bank account drained and no more visitors, operators said it could go under.

Built around 1868, the mill building was one of the few in Vancouver to escape the great fire that same year.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Six decades later, a group of women fundraised to save the structure from demolition, and it was moved to its current home at the north end of Alma Street.

It now serves as a museum of Vancouver history, home to items like Vancouver City Council’s first table.

Operators started a GoFundMe campaign in June, and by July 3 had raised enough to keep the facility from permanent closure — but not to cover critical repair projects, including a rotten roof.

On Thursday, donors helped get the facility over its $40,000 target, which operators say will ensure it can stay in business, and in good repair for years to come.

— With files from Jordan Armstrong

Advertisement

Sponsored content

AdChoices