HORNEPAYNE – Since the closure of the historic Hallmark Centre 12 years ago, the Hornepayne Public Library took up residence inside the council chambers. From then on, public meetings were held in the basement of the municipal office.
As well, the community’s workout facility shares a space with Hornepayne's curling club. The curling club has sectioned off a portion of their facility for workout equipment further limiting the space for events and tournaments.
Now with the successful funding application from the federal and provincial government’s Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure stream, the Hornepayne arena is getting a $4.4 million expansion.
Mayor Cheryl Fort said the expansion will give patrons an open and welcoming atmosphere.
“I have to applaud the weight room facilities users and the curling club for the patience that it’s been for over the last 12 years and now going into our 13th year here that this partnership has had to happen, but we really do need separate spaces,” Fort said.
Fort said the library has also been cramped over the years, but she said they were able to keep their programs going over that period. But with a larger space on the horizon, the library can develop with the expansion.
“We are trying to keep that facility over 1,500 square feet, so we can utilize the other programming that the library has been doing. One of them is the musical instrument lending library which then utilizes the space for people to use the instruments in that space,” Fort said.
Plans for the weight room facility are expected to be approximately 2,500 square feet, which will include washroom, shower, and locker room facilities.
"That was part of the revamp when we ask the engineering firm to go back [into the designs]," Fort said. "We want the overall facility to feel like it’s all one. That we didn’t just add these additions on. We want it to really embody one feel so it’s a very welcoming space.”
Depending on the cost of materials, construction, and accessibility requirements of the facility, Fort is hoping the weight room will exceed the space it’s currently in at 1,300 square feet.
When asked how the community is reacting to the announcement of the expansion, Fort said, “it’s time. Losing our mall was really devastating to our community and it’s time to rebuild. We need the new facility. We need to move forward. Even just attracting people to our community and having the facilities that they need to have a fulfilling and prosperous life, that’s part of it.”
Council is currently working on the concept designs of upgrades. Once finalized, the expansion will begin in 2024.
“We are taking the time to come up with the best plan that fits our community and spend the money wisely,” Fort said.
