Neighbourhood Small Grants funded Community Centre bus stop is now complete

Dec 16, 2024

Bus Shelter Children's Centre

The newly constructed Bus Shelter at the Community Centre is now ready to be enjoyed. Although there are still a couple of things left to do, the project is 98% complete. We will wait for better weather to finish the ceiling and some landscaping work.

The idea of the Bus Shelter came from many years of observing the Children Centre staff waiting for the school bus in rain, wind and sleet, unprotected by the side of the road. It was the same issue for people hitchhiking. I figured a proper structure would offer everyone some
protection while waiting.

Hitchhikers often use this location to be picked up and a “Bus Stop” would be recognized as such rather than an area where many drivers unknowingly park, completely blocking the path for the school bus.

The concept and a detailed proposal were presented to both the Children’s Centre and the Quadra Recreation Boards of directors and everyone loved the idea. I applied for the Neighbourhood Small Grants offered by the Quadra Island Foundation to see if funds could be made available. A small grant was accorded.

Drawings were professionally drafted by Islander Alison Burnett for a sound structure. Boundary lines were determined and an exact location was finalized after consultation with Mainroad Contracting for road clearance. I was reaching out to contractors to get a list of costs for materials when the magic happened.

Anthonie PJ, from Java Roofing Ltd, offered to donate the roofing material and installation before my drawings were even on paper. The same thing happened with Mike Kinser from Above All Gutters when approached. I reached out to Adam at IslandScape Contracting and Micheal donated a couple of hours of his time to prep the site.

When in town one day I pulled into the Windsor Mill Sales’ office to inquire about cedar quotes. Speaking with Chris May, the manager, he asked to see my list of materials. After entering the info into his computer he turned around and said: “ I will donate all this for your project.” Basically half the list. I was blown away by all this generosity!

Matt Griswold and Marshall Toelle, from J.Toelle Construction Ltd gladly donated the concrete for the pad and Marcel from Uplands poured it on his way to another project one morning. Derek McPhee from Helix Property Care, took the plans and began construction. Derek, wanted to give back to the community after attending the Children Centre in his early years. His mother, Dee, was in fact, the Children’s Centre director for over 30 years!

It was exciting to see the project take shape and have community members bring their expertise. Chad, Shannon and Craig from Quadra Island Builders were equally generous and offered great advice, materials and patiently answered my many questions.

Like many construction projects there were a few setbacks and delays but that gave us time to sand, prep and stain the materials. Newcomers to the Island, Roger Friesen and Dave Maskell brought their woodworking skills and got busy in order to finish the build before the winter rains. Kieran De Mill expertly designed and donated the support for the benches and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. They are simply elegant.

With the permission of Luise Grav’s family, one of her artwork was reproduced and framed to adorn the back wall of the shelter. Luise worked with the after-school program of the Children’s Centre for many years. She enjoyed walking through the forest of Blenkin Park. She left this world too soon and I respectfully wanted to keep her close to the area she loved so much.

I thought it would be interesting to create a community project where volunteer contractors who had previously gone to the Children Centre as a young child, or currently had children attending, would work together and be proud of it. It would serve a great purpose for all park users and improve an undeveloped area, once again bringing the sense of community we once knew in building projects together.

With talks of the possibility of future public transport on the Island, this Bus Shelter will already be in place in the hub of the community. This was a fun project to create and many will now enjoy a safer place out of the elements. I have so much gratitude for all those who have donated time, efforts and materials or joined in the work. We have an incredibly generous and supportive community. Something to be cherished and be proud of. My sincere thanks to all who contributed and helped in the realization of this project!

– Lilianne Langevin

With extreme gratitude I would like to personally acknowledge everyone involved:

  • Sarah Deagle, Quadra Island Foundation, Neighbourhood Small Grants
  • Peter Holmes, Holmes Construction
  • Derek McPhee, Helix Property Care
  • Adam Pullman and Michael Deleare from IslandScape Contracting
  • Tracy and Marcel at Uplands
  • Matt Griswold and Marshall Toelle from J. Toelle Construction Ltd
  • Josh Jakabosky from Old Craft Carpentry & Construction
  • Chris May, Manager at Windsor Mills Sales Ltd
  • Anthonie PJ from Java Roofing Ltd
  • Michael Kinser and Dawson Brown from Above All Gutters
  • Alison Burnett, Drafting
  • Gary and Doris Colter, Tempered glass panels
  • Lara Fraser at Inspirations
  • Shannon, Chad and Craig from Quadra Island Builders Ltd
  • Alex Witcombe, Sanding & prep
  • Elysia Toporosky, Shore Pine Signs & Designs
  • River Ink Printing & Signs
  • Roger Friesen, Construction
  • Dave Maskell, Construction
  • Loris Derrien, Construction
  • Kieran De Mill, Crafting & Welding of the benches
  • Nick Richardson from Landtec Industries for gravel donation
  • Luis Grav’s Family, Mandala (Artwork)
  • Rebecca Brown and Jane West, Community Centre
  • Board of Directors for the Children’s Centre
  • Board of Directors for the Quadra Island Recreation Society