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West Âé¶čAV council hears vision for community centre in Shannon Lake

'A welcoming space for social interaction'
shannonwoodshall
Site map showing location of potential Shannon Lake Community Centre (under utilized area).

The Shannon Lake Neighbourhood Association (SLNA) is proposing a community centre and childcare facility for their area.

At West Âé¶čAV council’s Tuesday (Jan. 28) meeting, SLNA spokesperson Tom Groat requested that city-owned property at 2490 Shannon Lake Road be set aside for the project. The site is at the south end of Shannon Woods Park.

“Our vision is to see a community centre built there,” Groat told council. “A welcoming space for social interaction.”

Groat added that it’s an ideal location because it’s easily accessible, and there is a dog park, playground, a sports field and community gardens nearby.  

“It services the west side of Highway 97 which right now does not have a community hall other than in downtown Westbank, which is the Lions Hall,” Groat explained. 

He added community centre in Shannon Lake could also be used for private functions, conferences, activities and classes, as well as seniors outreach. He pointed to the success of Coldstream, which recently built a similar facility.

“They are booked until the end of the year with weddings,” Groat said. This would be a community initiative. Look at Julia’s Junction — that was a community initiative.”

Groat asked that the property be set aside to allow the SLNA to further investigate the feasibility of the project. “It’s a good start and from that we can build from there.”

Partial funding for the initiative could come from provincial and federal grants, he added.

Council did not have any questions of Groat, however, Mayor Gord Milsom suggested the potential project be added to the city’s list of strategic priorities.



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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