The District of 100 Mile House has unanimously given its support for an NDIT application to secure funding for improvements to Martin Exeter Hall.
During the Jan. 14 District of 100 Mile House Council meeting, council unanimously voted to support an application to the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) for a Cultural Infrastructure Program grant of $129,990.05 for around 50 per cent of the eligible project budget for the Martin Exeter Hall AC & Thermostat Control Modernization Project. The remainder of the money is being sourced from the Local Government Climate Action Program funding that the District of 100 Mile House has already received.
The project, according to documents attached to the Jan. 14 agenda, "will see Air Conditioning (A/C) installed in Martin Exeter Hall, in addition to a supplemental heating system, a fully integrated control system, and high-efficiency HVAC components." Currently, according to the application form, the existing equipment is "inefficient, constantly breaking down, difficult to regulate, and replacement parts are becoming harder to get." The new components set to be installed will be highly efficient, with it being set to "run off a heat pump, which would increase both heating and cooling efficiency. In addition, the heat pump will provide an offset for natural gas usage from the existing boilers."
"We have known this is a need for the facility for some time as it becomes extremely warm in the building during performances," Tammy Boulanger, the chief administrative officer for the District of 100 Mile House, said.
Martin Exeter Hall was constructed in 1975 and is the only performing arts venue in the South Cariboo.
"When it was built, it was of the highest calibre construction - state of the art back in the day. The district considers it essential to preserve the Hall to maintain the vibrant Arts and Culture sector in the region," the district wrote in the application form. "Having a modern, comfortable performing arts venue will meet the expectations of some new residents and professionals."
The air conditioning installation is supported by the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society, one of Martin Exeter Hall's primary user groups. In a letter attached to the package, they stated that Martin Exeter Hall's current system is "ineffective, leading to extreme heat, and there is a lack of circulation in the seating area which leads to stale air during performances."
"Currently, we avoid performances in the late spring, summer, and early fall due to a subpar audience experience, and even for shows in the winter, we turn off the heat in the hall early in the day in order to cool the seating area enough to handle the heat of the lighting system and a full audience," wrote Lisa Grey, the president of the 100 Mile Performing Arts Society.
In a statement given to the 100 Mile Free Press, Margot Shaw, a longtime member of the society, said that air conditioning would significantly increase the year-round use of the hall.
"In a world where extreme weather is becoming more common, an efficient heating and cooling system for Martin Exeter Hall is essential," Shaw said.
Boulanger said "we have optimism that we will be successful!" when it comes to the NDIT grant application. The renovations are set to begin on March 3, 2025.
"If funding is approved, we hope to start the project as soon as possible," Boulanger added.
