The Hope
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Station House future in limbo
Kerrie-Ann Schoenit Hope Standard
13 NEW YOUTH
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2015
Contractors may soon have an opportunity to bid on the repair work needed at the Hope Station House. Council will be voting on Jan. 26 whether to approve a contract for AdvantageHOPE to manage the project and initiate a RFP (request for proposals) process. However, the issue is already gaining mixed reactions at the council table. “I’d love to see it fixed but I don’t think the District of Hope can finance it,” said Coun. Bob Erickson during a discussion on the topic at Monday’s council meeting. “It’s a major overall.” Both Erickson and Coun. Heather Stewin are concerned about cost estimates multiplying and making a decision on the building’s future without getting more information. “The district is taking on a huge liability,” Erickson added. Councillors Donna Kropp and Dusty Smith support the RFP process in order to get more information on the cost of repairs. They would like to see the Station House’s heritage preserved and used in a capacity that benefits the community. Kropp pointed out that over the last several years, residents have expressed a desire to have a tourist information centre at the Station House. In order to do so, a building retrofit is needed. Coun. Gerry Dyble
also supports the RFP process in order to make an informed decision on the future use of the Station House. “The building is ours so no matter where we stand at this point in time,” she said. “We now must decide what we’re going to do with this piece of property, whether we tear it down or put money into it.” Mayor Wilfried Vicktor pointed out that there will have to be significant realignment of the entrance/exit of the site to accommodate trailers and RV’s. He suggested that aspect of the project be included in the RFP so that it doesn’t “dwarf costs.” Last November, the Station House Society officially turned over control and operation of the building to the District of Hope. The municipality signed a new lease with the provincial Transportation Finance Authority (TFA) and has since transferred utilities, undertaken emergency repairs to the heating system, and had the building insured and included in a routine maintenance schedule. The previous council has already decided to include $114,000 in the 2015 budget in order to undertake the estimated repairs/modifications required to use the building as a tourism centre and museum. However, chief administrative officer John Fortoloczky said that money won’t be spent without the current council’s approval. Continued on 2
DALE TAYLOR PHOTO
RV fire on Highway 1 Highway 1 was shut down in both directions at Emory Creek Bridge on Friday afternoon for 3.5 hours as fire crews battled a vehicle fire. An RV was pulled into the guard rail after catching some built up snow on the shoulder. As a result of the collision, the RV erupted in flames. The driver and her dog were able to exit the vehicle without injury. There was also no damage to the bridge.
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