Outdoor Community Gathering Place

Architrave was honoured to be  engaged by Gabriola Island Community Hall Association to create a covered, outdoor multi purpose space to be utilized by islanders for concerts, theatre, community picnics, sports, lectures, pop up food trucks, cinema,  book clubs, arts events,  the possibilities are endless! and last but by no means least it had to be beautiful, functional and innovative. 

The project envisaged the creation of a structure surrounded by a green area. It has a footprint of approximately 1000 sq.ft. with a concrete foundation, a curved roof supported by steel beams,  storage and electrical closets are  located towards the back. The inside of the roof is a solid wood laminated structure and the exterior will be a living green roof to create continuity with the berm that will run parallel to South Road, and  will provide weather and acoustic protection. With  panels around the performance area, it can be used as a performance stage,  a rehearsal and exercise area, an exhibition venue, a covered market, an outdoor cinema and a community gathering space. 

The design allows for phases of the project to accommodate  fundraising and grant applications as needed for each phase. The  later incorporation will be eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, solar panels, underground services, integrated lighting and furnishings. 

Completion of phase 1 was celebrated on August 10th, 2024.  With  Shelia Malcolmson, Gabriola resident, MLA for Nanaimo and Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, acting as MC, it was certainly a day that embodied Gabriola’s strong sense of community.   

A privilege to be involved in such a great project!

Read below for a brief history of the Gabriola Community Hall…….

Sixty five years ago the pioneers of Gabriola Island built a community hall at the South end of the island. It served the island for many years until, sadly, it burned to the ground in 1979 just after being repainted and refurbished.

Fundraising to build a new Hall began that very summer at the Annual Salmon Barbeque. Public meetings were held to get a feel from the community just what was needed in rebuilding the Hall. Then in l981, an architect was hired and, using the small amount of money from the insurance claim and money donated from the community, a design that we could afford was decided upon. By October 1982, pioneer resident Jim Rollo turned the sod to begin rebuilding the Hall for the community. Volunteer workers, funds from a generous estate endowment, money from a Community Recovery grant and a NEED grant brought the building to lock-up. From then on the work was done by volunteers and what a heady time that was! Plumbing and electrical work was donated by generous patrons of the Hall. The community of Gabriola can be proud of the money raised in a door-to-door campaign by Board members to bring the Hall to a finishing point.

The Opening Ceremony took place on August 1984. 

The Hall has been home to the Gabriola Parent Participation Pre-School since that date to the present time. The 2500 square foot main hall has been used for badminton and recreation activities, large meetings, small meetings, weddings, celebrations of life,  Gabriola Choir, theatre and many other community events. Every August, the Hall holds its  Annual Salmon Barbecue (the 69th was just held following the opening of the Lund Gathering Place).   With the thriving and blossoming community on Gabriola, more space was needed to accommodate. The process began in the summer 2021 when funding was approved by the Province of BC and the Government of Canada for an outdoor community space in response to COVID-19 crisis. After over a year of consultations with stakeholders and the Snuneymuxw First Nations the design project began. 

We are looking forward to the upcoming phases to this wonderful community project!