Creativity needed to save local Scouts Hall
A group of local parents and Scouts Canada volunteers is putting out a call for support to keep the Scouts Hall on Cuyler Road open and operating, as the national organization undertakes a financial review of all its facilities.
Hatter Brandy Payeur has several children involved in scouting and last week issued a call on social media for interested parents to present a local operations plan for the building.
That would involve taking over day-to-day management of the building, seeking out new rentals, as well as fundraising for the operational budget that Scouting Canada requires.
“Like everyone else they’re looking to make cuts,” said Payeur. “That would be quite a hit for us here in the Hat.
“It’s an amazing facility with a rifle range, woodshop and a place outside for fires and huge yard in the back for kids to have activities.”
The rifle range, for archery and firearms up to .22 calibre, is the only such facility operated by the Scouts in Canada.
Payeur said her goal is to bring together those who have benefited from scouting to manage the hall, develop new fundraising, seek out grants and possible rentals.
Hatter David Forbes is a deputy council commissioner working with Scouts Canada as an adviser to local scouting groups in southern Alberta.
He said the area council is also considering a plan to divest the hall, as well as Riverside Scouts facility and scout camp at Elkwater, due to the cost of maintaining the properties.
The idea of a volunteer committee to help fundraise and operate the hall is encouraging, he said, but any plan needs to be sound and siphon funds raised from programming.
“I know that a lot of people appreciate the facility, but scouting is not about buildings,” said Forbes.
“We need to find out if they can raise money. It’s not easy in these financial times, but it could be possible.”
Maintenance, upkeep and utilities amount to about $8,000 to $10,000 per year at the building, which is owned by Scouts Canada, though the City of Medicine Hat owns the land.
“If they can come up with a plan, that would be great, because it’s a great facility,” said Forbes, adding that the risk is time and money might be diverted to building expenses, whereas the focus should be on activities.
“They would have to find other fundraising,” said Forbes.
The national volunteer organization is evaluating its buildings in an effort to cut overhead costs and possibly close those that are not self sufficient.
Many scouts, girl guides and related groups for younger children, such as Brownies and Beavers, meet at community halls, schools or churches.
Payeur said the hall is booked for scouting activities three nights each week. The initial idea is to hopefully entice other community groups to rent space during the day in hopes revenue could help offset heating and maintenance.
“It’s underused during the day and almost overused during the nights,” said Payeur.
“It’s a facility that is in need of repair, but they’re looking for a committee of people who are willing to get together and almost run it like a community hall.”
A member of the group has already come forward to seek out grants and other forms of revenue. A key-holder to perform basic maintenance and open the building to renters would be required. Payeur said any help coming from the community would be appreci-