Cultural Infrastructure grant improves World War II-era hall

Located in Dawson Creek’s historic Walter Wright Pioneer Village, the South Peace Mile 0 Park Society received a $47,670 grant through the Trust’s new Cultural Infrastructure funding program to complete important upgrades to the Sudeten Hall. This gathering place 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 its current home where it is open to the public as a multipurpose arts and creative space.

The South Peace Mile 0 Park Society used the grant to repair and repaint the hall following damage from accumulated storm water. Now that the project is complete, the hall can resume its place as a hub for arts, culture and versatile rentable space.

“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.”

Funding for the project was approved on March 19, 2021 and work quickly got underway, with the entire project being completed by July 1. Weeping tile was installed to protect the building from future exterior water damage, cracks from previous water damage were repaired and the interior and exterior of the hall received a fresh coat of paint.

The Cultural Infrastructure grant program was introduced in September 2020 as part of Trust 2020. It supports the creation or improvement of arts, heritage, culture and creative innovation spaces. Local governments, First Nations and non-profits are eligible to apply for up to $300,000 in grant funding.