After three years of working hard on a community project, residents of Therien can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Surrounding community members continue to volunteer their time and skills to help restore Therien Hall after serious roof damage caused by decay of the roof surface and leaking skylights left the structure unfit for use.
“We had a flat roof so we are working on putting up trusses and sheet metal on the exterior and redoing the ceiling and drywall in the interior,” said John Brooker, Therien Community Hall president. “We are working with a contractor but also many volunteers are helping out.”
Around 12 individuals, from Therien and the surrounding communities, have already come out to volunteer in any way possible to help get the restoration underway. More volunteers are always appreciated, said Brooker, both for the exterior and interior work remaining to be done.
Along with help from volunteers, the Therien community received a grant from the MD of Bonnyville and support from local businesses in the form of donations of both cash and products. Without the support of the community and volunteers, the project would not be possible, Brooker said.
“The main idea of the hall is for community use,” said Brooker. “We plan to fix up the old gym so kids have somewhere to play volleyball, basketball and just hang out.”
Local community groups have already begun to show interest in using the hall upon its completion. Groups such as Girl Guides and cadets from the surrounding areas plan to make use of the restored hall for events and meetings.
“We are hoping to have the exterior done in the next couple of months,” said Brooker. Once the exterior is complete then work on the interior will take place. Upon completion, Brooker hopes to have a re-opening ceremony and put the hall into full use as soon as possible.
