Lund, BC (Electoral Area A, qathet Regional District), – On April 25, 2025, the qathet Regional District (qRD) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the future site of the new Northside Community Recreation Centre (NCRC).

(From left to right: Sandy Dunlop, Secretary, Lund Community Society; Clay Brander, Chair, qRD; Patrick Brabazon, past Chair & past Electoral Area A Director, qRD; Tla’amin Nation hegus, John Hackett; Ronnie Uhlmann, Co-Chair, Lund Community Society; Jason Lennox, Electoral Area A Director, qRD; Tla’amin Nation Elder, Randolph Timothy Sr.; Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River – Sunshine Coast; Patrick Devereaux, General Manager of Operational Services, qRD; Kristi McRae, Co-Chair, Lund Community Society)

The NCRC project consists of a proposed 6,000 square-foot building and covered outdoor space adjacent to the existing Northside Community Recreation Centre. The current building, constructed in 1948, has served the community for many years as an elementary school, daycare, and recreation hub for Lund and the surrounding area.

In 2021, the qRD secured a grant of up to $4,199,082 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream. This grant contributes 73.33% of the eligible project cost, with the qRD providing the balance and absorbing project overruns and scope changes through donations, additional grants, borrowing, and/or reserves. The borrowing and reserves are funded through the Northside Recreation Service.

The qRD received support of the electors within the Northside Community Recreation Service Area to borrow the balance of the project funding ($1.1 million) to construct the new Community Centre in Lund through a referendum in 2023. In addition to the grant and borrowing, local residents have donated $115,000 towards project costs.

The new NCRC building will house a half-court basketball gymnasium/dance floor, a stage for theatrical performances and musical productions, a commercial grade kitchen, universal washrooms and lots of space for storage. The new building will be wheelchair accessible, incorporating a connecting, welcoming foyer and will provide ample space for community events and gatherings. The parking lot surrounding the facility will be reconfigured to allow for more parking spaces and to provide accessible parking near the main entrance.

“This new centre is a place that will be here for future generations. It reflects the growth, energy, and sense of community we all share. This has truly been a team effort with the involvement of residents and donors, provincial and federal funders, to community partners and staff. It was an honor to have MLA Neill, Hegus Hackett and Tla’amin Nation councillors attend. As Elder Randolph Timothy Sr. reminded the gathering – Lund/ Klah ah men has long been a place of refuge,” said Jason Lennox, Electoral Area A Director. “Thank you to all our local community partners, donors, residents, and supporters who helped bring this project to life over several decades. It is a happy day for all! This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together toward a shared vision.”

“After 35 years of grassroots community volunteerism, the work of numerous public servants, and a regional government productively collaborating to build a legacy project, this building will serve the Northside community for generations to come, and we will have a hall once again,” said Sandy Dunlop, Secretary of the Lund Community Society Board of Directors. “To say we are delighted is an understatement.”

The upgraded facility has been designed to serve as an enhanced hub for community activities and to provide a gathering space supporting community, culture and recreation for Northside residents and visitors alike.

About the qathet Regional District:

The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.

CONTACT:
Mikhael Drosdovech, Manager of Assets and Capital Projects
qathet Regional District
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue
Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
P: (604) 485-2260 E: MDrosdovech@qathet.ca