On September 14th, voters in CSRD Electoral Area G (Sorrento, Blind Bay, Notch Hill) were asked a simple question: Should we establish a local service to help fund community halls through a small annual tax? The answer was a clear yes—with 68% voting in favour.

This new Community Halls Service will now allow CSRD to collect about $11 ($16 maximum) per property per year, which will go toward helping local non-profit community spaces cover essentials like insurance, hydro, basic maintenance, and needed upgrades.

This matters to us in the North Shuswap because much of our non-profit infrastructure —Celista Hall, Lakeview Centre, Imai Ballpark in Scotch Creek—face the exact same challenges. Most are volunteer-run societies doing their best to keep doors open and roofs from leaking. But costs are going up, grant funding is hit-or-miss, and the pressure on volunteers is relentless.

Would something like Area G’s new service work for us?

That’s a discussion worth having. I’m not proposing anything yet—but I want to hear your thoughts. Supporting these vital gathering places—used for weddings, dinners, club meetings, exercise classes, sporting tournaments, and emergency response—might be worth a small investment from us all.

A three question survey is here, please let me know what you think.