Lions Community Den to open soon

CBT supports purchase and preparation of new Fairmont multipurpose space

by Keith Powell — May 17, 2013

Fairmont's dream of having a community centre becomes reality when the Lions Community Den opens this month. In photo are members of the Fairmont Lions Club. In front from left to right: Ray Kolochuk, President, Fairmont and District Lions Club; Wendy Booth, CBT Director; Filmer Coy; Norbert Schab, Project Chair Person, Fairmont and District Lions Club.

What was once a pizza shop and real estate office will become a gathering place for the Fairmont community at large. Thanks to $100,000 from Columbia Basin Trust (CBT), the Fairmont and District Lions Club has purchased a building that will soon become the Lions Community Den: a centrally located, multipurpose meeting place for groups of all kinds.

"This project will give Fairmont Hot Springs a much-needed facility to hold community activities," said Norbert Schab, project chair person, Fairmont and District Lions Club. "It will assist greatly in providing a sense of community and a focus for social development."

The community has been raising funds and working toward realizing its dream of a community centre for about 25 years. One of the members of the original group that started raising money for a centre is Filmer Coy, age 91, who has lived in Fairmont since 1922. He's pleased to see the money raised in the 1980s finally being put to use.

"We raised $13,000, which seems pretty small potatoes," Coy said. "But every little bit helps."

Plans are to have the building renovated, furnished and open for use in late May, then to spend the summer landscaping and adding a deck. Future plans include adding a playground, and fundraising efforts will be ongoing.

"It's very fulfilling to be able to help a community realize such a long-standing dream and address an important community priority," said Katherine Hamilton, CBT community liaison. "Supporting this hall will enhance the community now and for many years to come."

CBT supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about CBT programs and initiatives, visit their website or call 1-800-505-8998.