New look for CVCU

An exterior renovation of the Columbia Valley Credit Union building is now complete

The Columbia Valley Credit Union in Golden, B.C., has a sleek new exterior. — Kirsten Armleder photo

The Columbia Valley Credit Union (CVCU) was created in Golden, B.C., in 1955 and moved into its present location in 1976. The building has undergone a number of renovations to both the interior and the exterior, and the last significant exterior upgrade was done in 1995.

Architect of the 2014 renovation was Len Brown, who drew up several possible designs and submitted them to a committee composed of CVCU staff and board members. That committee selected the sleek and contemporary design that was used.

Rob Parker, manager of IT services for the CVCU, took on the responsibility of overseeing the renovation. Parker said he’s proud of the results and happy that the job is complete.

“The thing we love about the new exterior,” he said, “is that it’s very contemporary and it’s going to last us another 20 years.”

Not surprisingly, the response from the community has been very favourable—the building is beautiful. Whether it’s intentional or not, the design conveys a subtle message. The curved and straight lines suggest flexibility and strength, and the abundant use of glass suggests openness to possibilities—a combination of characteristics that may be desirable in the people who manage our money.