The Egmont Heritage Centre is built, but money is still tight for its final completions, which the Skookumchuck Heritage Society expects will be open to the public next spring.
In the meantime, Egmont visitors can access much-needed parking and public washrooms at the site. The society held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony July 28. About 40 supporters from the community were there to celebrate the building's progress and listen to the speakers. The centre on Egmont Road will display cultural artifacts to bring alive Egmont's history. Heritage society vice-president Geoff Craig said he hopes to work with the Sechelt Indian Band (SIB) to show native history, particularly of Egmont. The Band helped the society acquire the land for the building, Craig said.
SIB Chief Stan Dixon agreed he would like to see the society participate with the Sechelt Nation because he believes in a good neighbour policy.
Craig also thanked the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) for its support of the project. SCRD director for Pender Harbour and Egmont John Rees thanked Craig for his work on the project.
Community Futures' Marie Gallant read a letter from Conservative Party leader Stephen Harper saying the centre is an example of communities working together.
Sunshine Coast MLA Nicholas Simons said the building shows community cooperation.
"This is a lovely facility and will add a lot to the community," Simons said after the ceremony.
The society contracted out all to local builders, who also volunteered additional time for the construction.
"Everybody who worked here donated some of their time," Craig said.
As well, local suppliers donated building materials.
The first artifacts on display for the ceremony were an antique bottle collection, a radio and an engine. Craig expects future displays to include themes such as logging, fishing and native heritage.
The Griffith family formed the society about 10 years ago.
President Billy Griffith couldn't attend the ceremony because he was out commercial fishing. The society welcomes more volunteers and members.
The federal government's Softwood Industry Community Economic Adjustment Initiative funded the project, which the community then matched.
Community Futures also donated funds, and its representative Al Mulholland cut the ribbon with Craig. Coast architect Teryl Mullock designed the building.
