St. Andrews Lodge was saved from demolition in 2020 and will now receive needed seismic upgrades to ensure its long term survival. (submitted photo/St. Andrews Lodge Society)

By Alex Rawnsley

historical site

Grant awarded to seismically upgrade historic Qualicum Beach lodge

Jan 24, 2024 | 12:16 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — A building seen as a major catalyst for the Oceanside region will receive long overdue upgrades.

The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society successfully received a more than $211,000 from the federal Arts and Heritage Legacy fund for seismic upgrades to the Qualicum Beach lodge.

Society president Jay Smith said these necessary enhancements will help ensure continued survival of the facility, which carries a rich history in the region for nearly 90 years.

“We see it as being used for a variety of public purposes, for organizations who would like to come together and use the park by the sea side. I think first and foremost it’s going to be used for educational purposes, many artists have inquired whether they can use it to have exhibitions.”

Opened in 1938, the lodge is seen as a pillar for the region’s strong tourism industry.

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Smith said it was the first real accommodation in the area geared toward middle-class people and afforded them an opportunity to explore the region as tourists.

In 2020, the lodge was nearly destroyed.

Town councillors narrowly voted to demolish the building, citing expensive restoration costs and an unknown operational future.

Three days later, in the face of mounting community opposition, then-councillor and now Mayor Teunis Westbroek reversed his decision and the property was saved.

Smith said with the long-term future of the lodge secured, focus can turn to the surrounding park overall and how the two sites will work together to move forward, while also respecting the past.

“It’s discovered to be an archaeological site…with clear signs of Indigenous habitation. It’s a great opportunity for space that we can have reconciliation between two cultures…we want to recognize the environment in which the lodge is situated.”

Meetings with the Town are underway regarding a building permit for the work.

Smith said they’ll get underway as soon as the ink dries on the cheque and a permit is awarded.

“We’ll start immediately as soon as we get the money. It doesn’t have to be done on the outside, it can be done on the inside so you can work on that even during inclement weather so we’re starting as soon as we can, hopefully by the spring.”

The Town purchased the St. Andrews Lodge property for $3.4 million in 2018 and has a conceptual plan in place to transform it into an accessible waterfront park.

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