Senior hall needs upgrades

Yorkton Council heard Monday the New Horizons Senior Citizens of Yorkton is fundraising to upgrade its hall.

In the late sixties SIGN assisted in the formation of a group for seniors and it has evolved to New Horizons. The group purchased Coronation Hall, from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 1978, explained presenter Arliss Dellow.

Dellow said since purchasing the hall the group has always been active.

New Horizon members have been active supporters of many community activities such as sessions on 'Elder Abuse', 'Drive Alive 55' to name a few and have volunteered for numerous activities in the City, including the Yorkton Film Festival, the Campground Tourist Coffee program and have provided a safe place for recreational activities for the youth from the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, detailed material circulated to Council.

Dellow said the group wants to expand activities, but the hall is in need of repair and upgrades.

Several projects have already been undertaken with funds raised and grants from the Federal Government, the Painted Hand Community Development Corp. and the Yorkton Lions Club. Work included repairs to the front steps, new carpeting and paneling in some areas, roof and foundation repairs, improvements to ground drainage, installation of three new energy efficient furnaces and an energy efficient water heater, conversion of a washroom for wheel chair accessibility, and the purchase of a StairTrak Master to take those in wheelchairs up and down. New front doors will be installed shortly.

Dellow said there is still more that needs attention.

Needed are electrical upgrades, refurbishing and painting of the exterior stucco, refinishing of the maple hardwood floor, insulation in areas of the lower level and upgrades to the kitchen, he detailed, adding from various quotes, the cost of the work will be approximately $40,000.

The group had about 25 per cent of the needed funds, and is now fundraising the rest.

Dellow said they were not looking for money from the City, but rather were appearing at the meeting to raise awareness of the need for funds.

The group is approaching local businesses and anyone willing to help, with hopes of raising the money by the end of April.