Editor:
I want to give a voice of support to the SCRD board for wanting to review the Coopers Green Hall replacement plan (“SCRD mulls options for Coopers Green Hall,” July 31). I am one of not so few residents in Halfmoon Bay who fail to understand why building costs for a community hall can amount to $3 million plus, which is at least twice the building costs of a luxury mansion. It is almost a given that there will be cost overruns and, as I understand it, parking and a new septic system are not even included in the cost estimate. The final tally could easily amount to $4 million and more.
This is an insane amount of money for a community hall that may or may not get well used.
Further, to increase hall capacity seems counterintuitive for this area of Redrooffs. This is not where the majority of the population of Halfmoon Bay lives. This is the narrowest and windiest part of Redrooffs Road with many hidden driveways and no pedestrian/bicycle path on a long stretch between Coopers and Frances. It would be much smarter to build a new community hall in Welcome Woods if it indeed has to be a brand new building, especially if the reason to increase capacity is to have live performances and movie screenings.
I fully support SCRD staff’s suggestion to investigate costs of an extensive renovation, hopefully keeping the original footprint, capacity and appearance. It is after all a heritage building even if not officially designated as such. If the building and septic have issues and a new kitchen is needed, which is how this project started, then let’s fix those issues.
Renate Kroesa, Halfmoon Bay
