Since the qathet Regional District (qRD) board approved the Rotary Club of Powell River’s submission to build a gazebo structure at Palm Beach in November of 2022, much work has been done to finish the project. The wooden gazebo looking out over the beach was finally completed on June 12.
“It is complete other than handing it over to the regional district with thanks for their cooperation,” said Rotary president Ross Cooper. “The club got to work to fundraise and volunteer to make this happen. We understood this was one of the most popular places for gatherings and weddings.”
Palm Beach is one of qRD’s most visited parks with the highest number of special event permits. After receiving a district grant of $6,500 to assist with funding, Rotary donated all the materials, labour and equipment to build the gazebo.
Cooper said community service chair Kelly Keil had a clear path and vision on what the club was to accomplish this year, which, after exploring community needs, led to discussions with qRD manager of operational services Patrick Devereaux.
“We felt there was a way to fast-track a shelter down at Palm Beach, a popular place for gatherings and weddings, by taking plans that had already been created for another shelter Rotary was involved in at the old Max Cameron School field, and now used as a dog park in town,” added Cooper. “Our club was enthusiastic for the project and after Kelly received approval from qathet Regional District, the club got to work to fundraise and volunteer to make this happen.”
Keil was encouraged to build two shelters, one at Palm Beach and another in Van Anda on Texada Island, both on the wish list of the regional district.
The structure was designed by former Rotarian Charlie Gatt. In April 2023 preparation began and in May construction started.
The gazebo is located 25 metres from the high water line and to the north side of the park. It will not interfere with field use, the entrance to the park or the band shell.
“The president’s [of the Rotary Club] job is to pick capable people and support them in accomplishing their goals,” said Cooper. “My vision was crystal clear, I wanted a physical addition, a legacy project if you will, that would be started and finished in the current year for a Rotary club.”
Cooper emphasized the good partnership with qRD and the community, by exploring needs and going forward with a project.
Rotary member Ian Currie, who has since moved back to Edmonton, applied for a Rotary grant and was successful in acquiring funds for the gazebo. Cooper is thankful that members of the local club are enthusiastic and willing to step-up, and get things done.
“Rotary members Fraser East and Dan Devita spearheaded a group of Rotarians and a core group of Friends of Rotarians: Chip Paquette, Ben Fairless and Bill Whyard, to complete our [gazebo] overlooking beautiful Palm Beach,” said Cooper.
The gazebo in Van Anda is in the process of being built.
“The Van Anda shelter completion date will be hopefully before the end of the calendar year-end,” said Cooper.
The Rotary Club of Powell River’s year-end is July 1, and that means a new president and board will be brought in.
“We celebrated our new addition with a club barbecue [on June 21] that included our supply partners, Lois Lumber, Lang Bay Aggregates and Valley Building Supplies, and south-of-town businesses that helped support the permanent shelter now standing at Palm Beach,” said Cooper, who is relieved that the group can once again come together after a tough few years due to COVID-19.
“I visualized a group photo in front of the newly constructed project to emphasize what our service club brings to the community,” said Cooper. “The byproduct of this would be to dramatically turn the chapter of COVID-19 and Zoom meetings that we have endured for the past two years, and to celebrate doing things we do best.”
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