Allow me to correct some the misconceptions in Kenneth Clarke’s letter ‘Parking lot paving’ (The NEWS, May 28).
Nanoose Place and the adjacent daycare facility are owned and operated by the Nanoose Bay Activities and Recreation Society, a registered non-profit society.
Operating expenses are paid 100 per cent out of revenue from hall rental, program fees and donations from the community. There is no taxpayer subsidy to operate and maintain the facility unlike public facilities which recover approximately 50 per cent of expenses from users.
A wide range of programs and activities are available to patrons of all ages. Daycare, after school child care for working parents, “Moms and Tots” and the Nanoose Elf Project serve children, youth and families. Fitness classes in the main hall gym and drop-in games like pickle ball and badminton provide opportunities for residents at an affordable cost. Nanoose Place also serves as a meeting place for local government venues, association and club meetings, Christmas parties, Church services, etc.
Nanoose Place does not cater “... mainly to one part of the community, that being seniors...” The Nanoose Bay Seniors group, like the Nanoose Bay Lions, have been instrumental in the formation, construction and operation of the centre since the beginning. Both the seniors and the Lions have representatives on the board of directors and contribute socially and financially to the general operations.
Nanoose Place relies on community volunteers to assist in hall operations. Besides being a director, I volunteer on the landscaping committee. I would suggest if Clarke would like to learn more about the centre of recreational, social and educational activities in his community, he place his name on the list of available volunteers. I would also offer a tour of the facility to Clarke along with hall management to see firsthand how Nanoose Place and the Nanoose Bay Activities and Recreation Society serve our community and the plans we have for rejuvenation of the facility and grounds.
James A. Lettic, president Nanoose Bay Activities & Recreation SocietyNanoose Bay