Members of the Pioneer Trail Society marked a milestone last Tuesday afternoon as they celebrated the completion of extensive renovations that has the community institution well poised for the future.
The Pioneer Trail Centre has been serving the community and providing a meeting place and recreation for local seniors from their location on 3rd Avenue in Downtown Drumheller since 1977. President of the Pioneer Trail Centre Phil Bryant admits there have been little changes to the building during its history.
That changed a couple years ago. Bryant explains they started with a renovation to the rear entrance of the building. This first change has served the facility well. Members can now safely and easily enter the facility from the back. This has helped alleviate parking at the front and has made the building more usable.
The next step to the renovation was cleaning up the front of the facility. Many remember the building served as a grocery store for many years, and the look always seemed to reflect this fact. A fresh new awning has improved and modernized the look of the building.
With the outside looking fresh, they turned their attention to the interior of the building. This includes brand new flooring, which has modernized the look of the interior and made it safer. A new coat of paint has brightened the interior. During these renovations the centre was able to secure a grant for a commercial grade dishwasher.
Bryant explains the project costs came in at over $100,000, but one of the best part of the renovations, according to Bryant is they were able to complete these extensive changes without going into debt. They were able to secure grants for much of the work. He says, in fact, they are in stronger financial shape.
A healthy crowd of seniors gathered for the celebration. Mayor Terry Yemen was present and the party included live music from Carl Dean and Joanne Moulton as well as a great selection of goodies. Long time Pioneer Trail member Lil Loughlin cut the ribbon for the new improved Pioneer Trail Centre.
Ethel Moar, left looks on as Lil Loughlin cuts the ribbon celebrating the completion of renovations at the Pioneer Trail Centre last Tuesday.
inSide photo by Patrick Kolafa
