Elrose Memorial HallPlanning has started for the addition to the Memorial Hall in Elrose. This project has been discussed between the Lions club for more than a year now but the project was just approved at a recent meeting. Many other communities have also pledged their support.

The Memorial Hall is owned by the Elrose Memorial Hall Co-operative. 

The plan is to add a 100 by 20 foot or 2,000 square foot addition along the South side of the existing hall. This addition will include men's and women's washrooms, a kitchen, serving area, and storage.

Dane MacDonald, Secretary of the Lions Club, said the discussion to add to the hall was started due to concerns of accessibility. "It's been about a one year process to get firm plans in order. The main reason we went ahead with this project is because of the lack of accessibility to the basement where the current bathrooms and kitchen facilities are. There's a need for more accessibility."

The hall's current washrooms and kitchen area are located in the basement, which makes it difficult for those with disabilities, injuries, or mobility challenges to access them.

MacDonald says that volunteers will be vital part of the building portion, "The carpentry work and that kind of construction will be sourced from volunteers in the community, headed by the Lions club. Other communities groups have pledged their support and we will be looking for volunteers outside of those community groups as well."

While construction will be solely volunteer based, the Lions will have contractors come in to do the plumbing and electrical work. With all costs considered, including labour and material, the estimated total for the project is $200,000.

The Lions plan to fundraise to cover these costs. The only confirmed fundraiser project right now is a New Year's Eve Dance. Also up for discussion is a 3vs3 hockey tournament, vintage snowmobile derby, fishing derby, and a land rental project.

Grant applications have also been sent in. The club hopes that the accessibility portion of the grant will qualify them for grant money.

The Lions expect to break ground and do some foundation work this Fall.