Renovations to Hall ongoing

More support needed to restore building

By Rosie Willigar

PARRSBORO: The efforts of Parrsboro’s Band Association to restore what has been known to many Parrsboro residents as the Band Hall (the Hall) seem to be paying off, according to the association’s vice-chair Colin Curleigh. Although they have completed a few minor repairs they have a long way to go to completely restore the building, however.

Information gained from the book “Heritage Homes and History of Parrsboro” revealed the Hall which was built in 1882 for the purpose of a Presbyterian Church until 1942, when the building was purchased by the Town of Parrsboro and used for various school activities such as concerts, music recitals, school-closing exercises, etc.

Mayor Doug Robinson explained that at one point over the past decade the building was sold to the Band Association. “I believe it would be a good thing if this group is able to raise the required funds to restore the building,” Robinson said. “Any group that is able to restore the building would be beneficial to residents. However, the Town does not have the resources available to help with this effort financially.”

Curleigh said association member Brenda Wheaton has been actively campaigning for new members in order to spark public interest in the restoration of the Hall. “Because of these efforts Parrsboro’s Band Association members have jumped from roughly ten members to over 300” he said. “There has been tremendous community support thus far.”

“The group plans to explore all plausible avenues to make the restoration possible. (We are) currently working on a business plan to submit to various government departments to help with the renovation costs,” Curleigh said. “The building itself is structurally sound and the repairs we have accomplished at this time include having the leaky roof repaired and the steps and doors replaced.”

The overall plan for the building is to develop it into a Community Cultural Centre that residents would be able to use for several purposes.