The wood shingle roof at the Blackpool Hall is to be replaced with brown metal roofing, according to Wells Gray Country (Area A) director Tim Pennell.
During their March 24 meeting Thompson-Nicola Regional District directors approved a heritage alteration permit to allow the change.
Volunteers constructed the historic hall between 1929 and 1932. Presently operated by Star Lake Women’s Institute, it was designated by the board as a protected heritage property in 2002.
Metal roofing was proposed due to the wildfire risk plus the difficulty for small non-profit groups to obtain funding. The Blackpool fire chief submitted a letter confirming the wildfire danger of cedar roofing.
Pennell said he hopes to get $80,000 in gas tax funding to change the roof as well as add insulation, chink the building and replace the doors with more energy efficient ones.
Regional Growth Strategy being reviewed
Pennell and Thompson Headwaters (Area B) director Max Lentz will be members of an ad hoc committee set up to review the TNRD’s Regional Growth Strategy.
“It’s planning for the future,” said Pennell. “We need to take into account where growth is expected and have smart planning practices so we respect the land and the present infrastructure.”
The Regional Growth Strategy was compiled with the cooperation of the TNRD’s municipalities and electoral areas, as well as a provincial intergovernmental advisory committee. It is not a land use plan bur rather a cooperative strategy for achieving a sustainable future for the region. It was adopted in 2000.
The eight-member temporary committee is expected to make its report with any suggested amendments to the strategy on Sept. 22.
