Skip to content

New Qualicum Commons hosts open house

Former Qualicum Beach Elementary School building repurposed to host service providers; open house set for Sept. 30
29990parksvilleCommonsCelebration-Web
On Sept. 30 the Qualicum Commons will host an open house celebration which will provide the public with an opportunity to see what services the centre has to offer.

The former Qualicum Beach Elementary School is being put to good use.

There will be an open house event called the Qualicum Commons Celebration on Sept. 30 from 3-5 p.m.

Lissa Alexander, marketing coordinator for the Society of Organized Services, said the SOS was one of the first groups to sign onto using the old school building to provide services in Qualicum Beach, and she’s thrilled that there are now a number of other service providers in the building.

The SOS has been open in Parksville since 1968, providing programs and services for families, adults, seniors and children.

The non-profit society started offering some of its programs from Qualicum Commons in February, and continues to expand programming to that location.

In September. the SOS’s Seniors Are Talking Program will be expanding to Qualicum Beach.

During the Qualicum Commons Celebration the SOS will be providing snacks, and kids can play with bubbles, a water table and get temporary tattoos. There will also be information available about the adult and seniors programs, Alexander said.

When the elementary school closed, people were concerned with what would happen to the building, she said. “I think it’s great that there are a number of things now happening (in the building).”

The SOS had a grand opening in April celebrating their expansion, but this celebration will include everyone in the building.

Cathy MacKenzie, recreation programmer for the RDN, said the Children’s Discovery Centre will be offering Munchkinland for the children and other services will be offered: dancing demonstrations, first aid and defibrillator demonstrations, and much more.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to see what’s happening in the building,” she said.

The Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs Society trains dogs at the building, MacKenzie said.

The RDN, SOS, School District 69 Collaborative Education Alternative Program (CEAP), Building Learning Together, Children’s Discovery Centre, Qualicum Beach School of Dance, Pacific Care Child and Family Enrichment Society, Charlotte Crowley and the Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs Society will be sharing information and demonstrations at the open house.

Qualicum Commons is located at 744 Primrose St.