NEWS
Please check in to this page on a regular basis if you want to stay current on 'happenings' with the Society. We will update it on a regular basis as projects move along.
Five Years of Later...
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Five years ago the quest to save St. Andrews Lodge began. Dozens of local citizens demonstrated outside the Lodge for five bone-chilling days. Hundreds of letters arrived at Town Hall, and thanks to the determination of some dedicated Councillors (past and present) a special Council meeting was called to halt the demolition. By the time the decision was made significant structural damage had been done to the interior of the building. The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society (SALHACS) has worked very hard over the past five years to restore the Lodge’s original charm. Thousands of volunteer hours have gone in to fund-raising, events, grant writing , building community connections and a host of other activities. SALHACS is thrilled that the interior restoration is nearing completion - by next Summer the Society hopes to see the Lodge well established as a community gathering place hosting artistic, cultural, social and educational activities. Once interior structural work is complete (slated for December) the Society will spend the Winter refurbishing the Lodge in readiness for its re-opening in 2026.
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Moving Right Along...
All the painting in the Lodge is complete, new flooring installed in the kitchen, utility area and washrooms, tiling in the en-suite shower is finished and the final consult with Town staff on placement of the wheelchair access ramp has been accomplished! Yeah!
Getting Plastered at Last!
It’s the little things……things are moving ahead very rapidly at the Lodge these days, with everything from re-plastering walls in authentic stippled fashion to installing exterior water faucets. The Society is looking forward to having all major interior restoration work complete by the end of October - less than five years after dozens of local citizens stood in miserable November weather to stop the demolition of this beloved heritage building. Are we delighted? You bet!
Andy expertly re-plasters a wall in one of the Lodge bedrooms. He has been plying his trade for 36 years
Also Andy’s work, when his partners/sons do a good job with the preliminary mudding.
It may not seem significant, but our gardening crews will no doubt be thrilled to have outdoor water faucets when caring for the gardens.
An Evening of Cool Jazz
The fifth and final Twilight Concert provided a beautiful evening of cool jazz featuring the Iain Duncan Trio. Many thanks to musicians Iain, Nick Peck and Hans Verhoeven, to our great volunteers, our sponsors and to the many folks who came out to join us for the evening.
This wraps the fourth successful season of the Twilight Concert Series.
This wraps the fourth successful season of the Twilight Concert Series.
Topazz Jazz in the Park
It was a night for dancing and big smiles at Saahtlam Park on Aug 16. The fourth performance in the Twilight Concert Series featured clear skies, sunshine and lots of action, provided by the Topazz VI Band. Many thanks to everyone who came out for another fun evening of music and community,to our volunteers and to the musicians.
Another Wonderful Concert
String Fever pleased us all. The weather was perfect and the audience was thoroughly happy - couldn’t have been better!
Spectacular Evening!
Phil Dwyer and Friends performed on July 12 at Saahtlam Park for four hundred thirty-one attendees (plus our legion of volunteers). It was a perfect evening of great music in a magical setting. Many thanks to Phil, Ken Lister, Andrew Janusson, Maninho Costa and special guests Mateo Jaeckel and Teighan Couch for an evening of the best live music heard here in a long, long time. And we owe a huge debt of thanks also to our great team of volunteers who help us make these evenings so special.
Great New Sponsor
We are thrilled to announce that The Hamber Foundation has come on board as a sponsor of our Fourth Annual Twilight Concert Series.
Summer Concerts Begin!
More than 200 people enjoyed a beautiful evening of live music at Saahtlam Park for the first of the Twilight Concerts on June 28. Bev Finch and Tom Neville (Finch and the Fiddler) provided two hours of great music.
Many thanks to our sponsors - The Hamber Foundation, Bonnie Cyre of Raymond James, Shipwrite Producions and Salt Pizzeria for their support of local musicians and SALHACS.
Many thanks to our sponsors - The Hamber Foundation, Bonnie Cyre of Raymond James, Shipwrite Producions and Salt Pizzeria for their support of local musicians and SALHACS.
Generous Donation!
SALHACS has been gifted $30,000 by the Alan John Foundation, which has been a great supporter of the Society’s efforts. Foundation representative Marilyn Johnson made the presentation to SALHACS president Jay Smith.
Springing Forward!
Spring has finally sprung at St. Andrews Lodge, and some of our dedicated volunteers gathered this afternoon to tidy up the gardens at the front of the building. Many thanks to Carollyne Haynes, Barb and Mike Shannon, Beverly Brendon and Michael Goldman.
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Meeting of the Minds
Electrical contractors met with project managers at the Lodge to discuss the next step in restoration and rehabilitation of St. Andrews. Moving right along!
Lead Away!
Lead paint remediation work is progressing rapidly at the Lodge, with hopes that this phase will be complete by the end of February. Onward!
Packing Up Day - Resto Soon!
Put nineteen dedicated SALHACS volunteers on a mission (even in the pouring rain) and boy, do they get things done!
November 23 was packing up day at the Lodge to ready it for the influx of contractors that will begin the upgrade and restoration within the next few weeks. Everything in the Lodge had to be removed, and this remarkable group got all items packed and transferred to the container out back in less than 2 1/2 hours.
Our most sincere thanks to Barb and Mike Shannon,Carollyne Haynes, Jim Purdon, Kat Wilhelm, Jim Bambrick, Jay Smith, Robert Boates, Dave Golson, Michael Goldman, Bev Smith, Dan Donalson, Bonnie Rowley, Shirley, Tracy and Sandy from RBC and Jesse and Felicia Kittner.
November 23 was packing up day at the Lodge to ready it for the influx of contractors that will begin the upgrade and restoration within the next few weeks. Everything in the Lodge had to be removed, and this remarkable group got all items packed and transferred to the container out back in less than 2 1/2 hours.
Our most sincere thanks to Barb and Mike Shannon,Carollyne Haynes, Jim Purdon, Kat Wilhelm, Jim Bambrick, Jay Smith, Robert Boates, Dave Golson, Michael Goldman, Bev Smith, Dan Donalson, Bonnie Rowley, Shirley, Tracy and Sandy from RBC and Jesse and Felicia Kittner.
St. Andrews Lodge Society Receives Major Federal Arts and Heritage Legacy Grant
The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society has been awarded a federal Arts and Heritage Legacy Grant in the amount of $211,318.00. This highly competitive grant was applied for to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Lodge owner Elizabeth Little. Miss Little, the first person declared Freeman of the Town, and her family left a huge legacy of community commitment that contributed to the success of Qualicum Beach as a tourist destination.
The grant money is slated to be utilized in the upgrading and restoration of the historic Lodge, located on the grounds of waterfront Saahtlam Park on the Old Island Highway.
Society President Jay Smith expressed great delight at the news. “Subsequent to initially working closely with a local contingent of experts headed by Walter Hoogland, we have been engaged more recently with two engineers and an architect, all of whom specialize in heritage buildings,” said Smith. “Their expertise in protecting heritage values in older structures has been invaluable in obtaining this grant, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them and the Town of Qualicum Beach in the restoration and preservation of this beloved building.”
Smith also pointed out that without the ongoing support of the Society’s many volunteers, getting to this point would not have been possible. “We have a very strong, very committed Board of Directors that works well together,” Smith said. “And the many folks who step up to the plate when there are tasks and projects on the go are an invaluable asset to the Society. We count ourselves fortunate to have such strong support from so many sectors and appreciate all the hard work and commitment by so many”.
Opened in 1938, the Lodge was operated along with the Glen Cottages for more than 80 years by the Little family. The property was one of the cornerstones of the tourism industry in Qualicum Beach, attracting middle class families from near and far for their annual summer vacations. Many of those pilgrimages progressed through several generations, to the point where descendants of some of the original Lodge guests continue to enjoy annual vacations in Qualicum Beach to this day.
For further comment or information, please contact:
SALHACS President Jay Smith
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 780-707-3148
The grant money is slated to be utilized in the upgrading and restoration of the historic Lodge, located on the grounds of waterfront Saahtlam Park on the Old Island Highway.
Society President Jay Smith expressed great delight at the news. “Subsequent to initially working closely with a local contingent of experts headed by Walter Hoogland, we have been engaged more recently with two engineers and an architect, all of whom specialize in heritage buildings,” said Smith. “Their expertise in protecting heritage values in older structures has been invaluable in obtaining this grant, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them and the Town of Qualicum Beach in the restoration and preservation of this beloved building.”
Smith also pointed out that without the ongoing support of the Society’s many volunteers, getting to this point would not have been possible. “We have a very strong, very committed Board of Directors that works well together,” Smith said. “And the many folks who step up to the plate when there are tasks and projects on the go are an invaluable asset to the Society. We count ourselves fortunate to have such strong support from so many sectors and appreciate all the hard work and commitment by so many”.
Opened in 1938, the Lodge was operated along with the Glen Cottages for more than 80 years by the Little family. The property was one of the cornerstones of the tourism industry in Qualicum Beach, attracting middle class families from near and far for their annual summer vacations. Many of those pilgrimages progressed through several generations, to the point where descendants of some of the original Lodge guests continue to enjoy annual vacations in Qualicum Beach to this day.
For further comment or information, please contact:
SALHACS President Jay Smith
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 780-707-3148
UPCOMING Juried Art & Craft Show
The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society is organizing an outdoor juried art and craft show and sale for Saturday, June 17.
The show and sale will be held outdoors in the waterfront park previously known as St. Andrews Waterfront Park (soon to be re-named Saahtlam Park).
Those interested in participating are asked to send photos, social media links or website addresses to Shirley Culpin at: [email protected]
The Show will be part of a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Elizabeth Little. She and her family built and operated St. Andrews Lodge for more than 80 years, welcoming vacationers from all over the world. This sale will be a fund-raiser for the restoration of St. Andrews Lodge, which has been designated by the Town of Qualicum Beach as a heritage building.
The show will be held the day before the annual Seaside Cruizers Show and Shine, so the Society expects good attendance at the Saturday event. In addition to the art show there will be continuous entertainment geared to all ages throughout the day.
Please note that all vendors will be responsible for supplying their own tents, tables and chairs.
The show and sale will be held outdoors in the waterfront park previously known as St. Andrews Waterfront Park (soon to be re-named Saahtlam Park).
- There will be a total of 35 10x10-foot spaces available at a cost of $50 each for the day.
- Anyone wanting a larger space will pay the commensurate amount.
- Categories available for this day-long event are sculptures, paintings, pottery, fibre art, etc.
- The show and sale will run from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Deadline for submissions is Feb. 25. Jurying will be completed by the end of February.
- Payment for space will be due immediately upon approval of your work.
Those interested in participating are asked to send photos, social media links or website addresses to Shirley Culpin at: [email protected]
The Show will be part of a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Elizabeth Little. She and her family built and operated St. Andrews Lodge for more than 80 years, welcoming vacationers from all over the world. This sale will be a fund-raiser for the restoration of St. Andrews Lodge, which has been designated by the Town of Qualicum Beach as a heritage building.
The show will be held the day before the annual Seaside Cruizers Show and Shine, so the Society expects good attendance at the Saturday event. In addition to the art show there will be continuous entertainment geared to all ages throughout the day.
Please note that all vendors will be responsible for supplying their own tents, tables and chairs.
Successful AGM
On Monday, January 16 we held our Annual General Meeting in person and remotely via Zoom. Board members that are continuing in their positions were confirmed, new members were elected and leaving members thanked for their contributions. We heard reports from our Building Committee as well as the Finance, Grounds, Communications and Fundraising Committees.
Plans for the immediate future were discussed which included the celebration being planned for the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth Little's birth on June 17th. Jay Smith presented his President's Report outlining the important events of the past year. (See the presentation by clicking the link below)
AGM Presentation
Plans for the immediate future were discussed which included the celebration being planned for the 100th anniversary of Elizabeth Little's birth on June 17th. Jay Smith presented his President's Report outlining the important events of the past year. (See the presentation by clicking the link below)
AGM Presentation
SALHACS receives $25,000 donation
The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society was presented on November 18 with a cheque for $25,000 as a donation from local resident Pat Jacobson. The cheque was presented to Society vice-president Judith Kemp during a gathering at the historic Lodge that included Town Councillors and staff, SALHACS board members and Society volunteers.
“I am honoured to offer this gift to assist the St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society in realizing its goal of preserving the Lodge and with it, an important slice of our social, cultural and economic history,” said Jacobson. “Our history is what we are today. The Little family had a huge impact in shaping it, on many levels.”
“The Lodge sits in a spectacular seaside park named Saahtlam,” Jacobson continued, “meaning ‘green at the mouth of the river.’ The name was recently gifted from Chief Michael Recalma and the Qualicum First Nation. So, we have a special combination of ‘settler history’ on land inhabited by and important to indigenous peoples over many centuries.
“This is a wonderful community-driven opportunity to bring the vision to life, for the enjoyment and benefit of residents and visitors alike. I strongly encourage others to get involved in whatever way they can to help the Society achieve its goals.”
The Society has been very fortunate to receive a number of personal donations since its recognition by the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charitable society that is able to issue tax receipts. Other fund-raising plans include applications for a variety of grants and a number of special events in the coming year, including the continuation of the Twilight Concert Series.
“I am honoured to offer this gift to assist the St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society in realizing its goal of preserving the Lodge and with it, an important slice of our social, cultural and economic history,” said Jacobson. “Our history is what we are today. The Little family had a huge impact in shaping it, on many levels.”
“The Lodge sits in a spectacular seaside park named Saahtlam,” Jacobson continued, “meaning ‘green at the mouth of the river.’ The name was recently gifted from Chief Michael Recalma and the Qualicum First Nation. So, we have a special combination of ‘settler history’ on land inhabited by and important to indigenous peoples over many centuries.
“This is a wonderful community-driven opportunity to bring the vision to life, for the enjoyment and benefit of residents and visitors alike. I strongly encourage others to get involved in whatever way they can to help the Society achieve its goals.”
The Society has been very fortunate to receive a number of personal donations since its recognition by the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charitable society that is able to issue tax receipts. Other fund-raising plans include applications for a variety of grants and a number of special events in the coming year, including the continuation of the Twilight Concert Series.
St. Andrews Society off to a running start
The St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society is off to a running start in its fund-raising campaign to restore and preserve the iconic Lodge.
This week the Society was presented with two cheques for $5,000 each, bringing the total amount donated and pledged since gaining charitable status on Aug. 1 to more than $40,000. This amount is in addition to the Society’s various fund-raising activities.
The $5,000 donations came from Marilyn Johnson in memory of her late husband Alan John, and from the ELM Family Charitable Fund, represented by Liz and Christopher Jacobson.
“We are so gratified at the support and enthusiasm for this project” said Society president Jay Smith. “Being able to issue tax receipts has opened up many doors for the Society. We look forward to moving ahead with our fund-raising campaign and upholding our commitment to the citizens of Qualicum Beach that the Lodge restoration will not cost them anything. The Society’s board is willing and able to raise the funds required to restore the Lodge and we are not requesting funding from the taxpayers.”
Further information on the campaign can be obtained by contacting the Society at: [email protected]
This week the Society was presented with two cheques for $5,000 each, bringing the total amount donated and pledged since gaining charitable status on Aug. 1 to more than $40,000. This amount is in addition to the Society’s various fund-raising activities.
The $5,000 donations came from Marilyn Johnson in memory of her late husband Alan John, and from the ELM Family Charitable Fund, represented by Liz and Christopher Jacobson.
“We are so gratified at the support and enthusiasm for this project” said Society president Jay Smith. “Being able to issue tax receipts has opened up many doors for the Society. We look forward to moving ahead with our fund-raising campaign and upholding our commitment to the citizens of Qualicum Beach that the Lodge restoration will not cost them anything. The Society’s board is willing and able to raise the funds required to restore the Lodge and we are not requesting funding from the taxpayers.”
Further information on the campaign can be obtained by contacting the Society at: [email protected]
From left to right: Christopher Jacobson and Liz Jacobson, representing the ELM Family Charitable Fund, Society President Jay Smith and Marilyn Johnson
Public Statement
With the granting of charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency permitting the issuing of tax receipts for donations, the St. Andrews Lodge Historical and Cultural Society will be moving ahead on major fund-raising plans in the coming months. This will fulfil the Society’s promise to the citizens of Qualicum Beach that the preservation and restoration of the Lodge will not become a financial burden to the Town and its tax-paying citizens. Present economic conditions, inflation and increased municipal taxes are a matter of great concern to everyone and the Society feels very strongly that the financial burden of supporting the lodge restoration should not fall upon the homeowners of the town.
The Society was asked by the Town to provide an estimate for installing public toilets for the park in the Lodge building. That estimate came in at $176,683 as per our fully-costed report to Council, not the $300,000 quoted by Councillor Harrison. The installation of the public washrooms would be the sole financial responsibility of the Town if Council decides to go ahead with the project.
At no point has the Society requested financial assistance from the Town and it has been made abundantly clear in a letter to Councillors that we do not want and are not requesting financial assistance. We are confident in the strength and initiative of our board and volunteers and are fully willing to take on all fund-raising required for this project.
To reiterate, the Society did not ask for any funds from the Town of Qualicum Beach.
The Society was asked by the Town to provide an estimate for installing public toilets for the park in the Lodge building. That estimate came in at $176,683 as per our fully-costed report to Council, not the $300,000 quoted by Councillor Harrison. The installation of the public washrooms would be the sole financial responsibility of the Town if Council decides to go ahead with the project.
At no point has the Society requested financial assistance from the Town and it has been made abundantly clear in a letter to Councillors that we do not want and are not requesting financial assistance. We are confident in the strength and initiative of our board and volunteers and are fully willing to take on all fund-raising required for this project.
To reiterate, the Society did not ask for any funds from the Town of Qualicum Beach.
Report to Council
On June 29, 2022 we presented a report to council at an in camera meeting. The report was a requirement for the renewal of our lease for the Lodge. We also filed a full engineering report on seismic upgrades, a fully costed assessment of required restoration to facilitate future public use, and a proposal for the inclusion of external, disability accessible toilets which the Town will pay for and operate.
Click the button below to view the report.