DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – The South Peace Mile 0 Park Society received funding through Northern Development’s Cultural Infrastructure grant program.
In March, the Society was awarded a $47,670 grant to complete updates to the Sudeten Hall, located in the historic Walter Wright Pioneer Village.
Sudeten Hall has a rich and unique cultural heritage as it was built by Sudeten refugees fleeing Nazi Germany in the Tupper area. The hall was relocated in 1992 to Dawson Creek, where it’s open to the public as a multipurpose arts and creative space.
The Society used funds from the grant to repair and repaint the hall after damage from stormwater.
“This grant allowed us to complete quality upgrades to a unique historic building without financially burdening our society and pulling resources from other parts of the park,” said Alex Reschny, president, South Peace Mile 0 Parks Society.
“The Sudeten Hall is well used and highly appreciated by our community and serves as a gathering space for families and an array of user groups. Now they can be assured that they will have a welcoming place for years to come.”
The work on the hall was completed in July and included installing weeping tiles to protect the building from any future water damage, cracks from previous water damage were repaired, and the interior and exterior of the hall were given fresh coats of paint.
The Cultural Infrastructure grant program was announced in September 2020 as part of Trust 2020. The program supports the creation or improvement of arts, heritage, culture, and creative innovation spaces. Non-profits, local governments, and First Nations are eligible to apply for grants up to $300,000.
