Community Hall Community centres are important hubs that provide people with opportunities to socialize, learn, and access key services. They provide a space to connect with others who share common interests, create a sense of belonging, develop cultural vibrancy, and promote volunteerism, all resulting in happiness and well-being. Quality public places also support the local economy by attracting business investments and tourism. All in all, great public places can enrich the lives of residents and enhance the community.
The Resort Village of Candle Lake Community Hall is one such place. The Community Hall is a cornerstone of our community which provides:
A place to play….
Pickleball
Activities like pickleball, Forever in Motion, the Walkers group, badminton, parent and tot gym time, and zumba dance workouts are held at the Hall. The Hall supports games and fun by hosting Family Fun Nights and the popular RVCL Bingo.
A place to enrich our health and wellbeing…
Our Health Centre is located in the Hall. Here, our team of health care practitioners, including our part-time physician and casual Nurse Practitioners, provide health care and lab services.
Supporting art and culture….
The Hall provides space for cardmaking and quilting and is the home to the Art Club.
A place for learning…
The Candle Lake Public Library hosts monthly learning events for children and adults through events and author visits. The library also runs an After School Program.
A place to celebrate…
Almost every weekend from May to September, a special event is taking place at the Hall. Couples are saying “I do,” families are reuniting or saying goodbye to a loved one, or a special event like a concert or other gathering is taking place. The Resort Village also hosts events like pancake breakfasts and our annual Christmas Dinner at the Hall. 
Annual Christmas Dinner
Serving our seniors…
The Community Hall includes a Senior’s Citizen Centre, where the Candle Lake Seniors Club gathers for potluck dinners, dance lessons, and card tournaments.
A place for planning and work….
The Resort Village holds Committee of the Whole Meetings and Regular Council Meetings at the Hall. The public is invited to attend these meetings.
The Community Hall Renovation Project
Built in the late 1970’s, our Community Hall has hosted hundreds of events and activities, but it is beginning to show its age. A feasibility study conducted in 2016 determined that while the building is in fair condition, it does not meet several building, safety, and accessibility codes.
A Community Hall Renovation Project was identified in the Major Projects Capital Asset Budget Plan. Various user groups have since provided feedback on the improvements they would like to see.
The Resort Village estimated the total cost of the renovation project to be $1,256,636 and in 2022, applied for an Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) grant to complete the work. The Village was successful in receiving $921,491 in funds from the ICIP grant. Along with $100,000 in funding through the Canada Community Building Fund (the former Gas Tax Fund), and the balance of the project being financed through budget reserves, work could be substantially complete by the end of 2024.
This project will help attract more visitors and residents, extend the life of extend the life of the building, and make the space more usable for a wider variety of activities.
The full extent of improvements is yet to be finalized, but our wish list includes:
Electrical improvements
- A new HVAC system to provide more energy efficient occupant comfort with improved airflow and air exchange in the building.
- Updated audio/visual equipment.
Interior improvements
- Doorways and hardware designed for individuals with accessibility and mobility restrictions will be installed. Fully accessible washrooms will be installed on the second floor.
External improvements
- Upgraded siding, and the roof will be replaced.
- Improvements will be made to the front parking area including a handicapped parking pad. The entry will be more accessible with ramps added to support those with mobility issues.
Renovations to the Senior's Room
- Functionality and accessibility will benefit both the Seniors Group and multiple user groups.
- Fully accessible washrooms on the second floor and storage solutions added to accommodate numerous other cultural, recreational, and social groups in the community.
The Resort Village has contracted Rempel Engineering & Management to prepare final plans and the scope of work. They will also oversee the procurement of all aspects of the project. Preliminary drawings have been prepared and once confirmed, they will be shared.
If you have any questions on this project, please contact Jason Campbell, Operations Managers at (306) 929-2236 or by email at publicworks@candlelake.ca.