McKernan Community Hall Project

Januray 2013

Both Phases of Hall Construction on Track

McKernan Community League’s hall redevelopment project is now on track for a spring construction date for both phases of the project after receiving a provincial Community Facility Enhancement (CFEP) grant of $200,000. The league has already received $400,000 from the City of Edmonton’s Community League Infrastructure Program fund and a $50,000 donation from the McKernan Child Care Society. This, on top of casino funds and donations of almost $450,000 gives the league over $1 million, which will enable both the renovation of the exisiting hall and the construction of the north addition to begin in April. The City of Edmonton has given approval and the league has applied for its development permit. The construction team of Chandos Construction Ltd and the architect firm Lee & deRidder are moving into the construction preparation phase. The building will feature a number of environmentally positive features, including efficient plumbing, a rainwater collection system, efficient insulation and appliances. The new metal roof will provide solar water heating for water use and radiant heating, while low-tech earth tubes preheat or cool incoming outside air, reducing the burden on the furnace. The McKernan Child Care Society, which will continue to occupy the lower part of the existing hall, will be temporarily moving out to nearby premises in McKernan School and the McKernan Christian Church while renovations are carried out. The league hopes the program will be able to move back for September, if the work is far enough along. Other regular renters will also be affected, although most of the work will be done over the summer. We are also finalizing a co-development agreement with Alberta AdaptAbilities which will allow them to be part of the project development and to have the right to their own purpose-built space in the building for a $250,000 contribution towards the construction. Their space will include handicap-accessible washrooms, play spaces and kitchen. Hilary Gray, the hall development committee chair, describes herself as over the moon at the news of the provincial grant. The committee and community league members have worked hard to raise the money needed to make the project a reality, but the City and now the Province have seen the worth of the project that was presented in the grant applications and agreed to invest in our community. The new facility will boast several new spaces that with give the Community League more flexibility for their use. Committee members hope that the new spaces will bring added programming for community members to participate in and enjoy.

Please contact Hilary Gray, McKernan Community Hall Upgrade Lead by email at: housingdevelopments@mckernancommunity.org or by telephone: 780-434-0480.