The Dyment Recreation Hall Transformation

The Local Services Board of Melgund, in collaboration with the Dyment Museum and nonprofit Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture, is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new project. This ambitious initiative focuses on the strategic rejuvenation of the Dyment Recreation Hall’s lower level, transforming underutilized space into a sophisticated Art Gallery and Community History Museum.

This project represents a landmark investment in Melgund’s cultural infrastructure, creating a professional venue where local artists and community members collaborate to celebrate our region’s unique identity.

Exhibitions will feature local and regional history, such as the old Sakoose Gold Mine.

A Living Legacy of Art and History

The new facility is designed to function as a dual-purpose arts and cultural hub that bridges the gap between Melgund’s storied past and its creative future. The historical wing will showcase more than a century of township heritage, preserving artifacts and narratives that define our community’s resilience.

Complementing this, a regional art gallery will provide a curated platform for local talent, bringing contemporary perspectives into our historic spaces. As well, by activating this unused area, the groups are creating a “living legacy” that serves as an incubator for arts-based recreation and capacity building, ensuring that our township’s stories and skills are passed down through generations.

The lower level flooded in 2022, and has since been rebuilt. It has been largely empty since.

Aligning with the Framework for Recreation in Canada

This project is rooted in the national Framework for Recreation in Canada, specifically targeting the development of supportive environments and the expansion of community capacity. Optimizing existing infrastructure, the Local Services Board and Melgund Recreation, Arts and Culture are fostering a space that encourages social cohesion and enhances the overall wellbeing of our residents. This initiative views recreation through a holistic lens, where arts and culture-based programming are essential drivers of a healthy, vibrant, and connected community.

Cultivating Community Capacity and Innovation

The transformation of the Dyment Recreation Hall goes far beyond simple renovation; it is a catalyst for sustainable community growth. This legacy space is intended to incubate leadership and creative mentorship, providing the tools necessary for residents to develop new cultural programs and recreational opportunities.

We invite all members of Melgund Township to participate in this evolution. Whether you are an artist looking to exhibit or a resident with a historical story to tell, your involvement ensures this space remains a cornerstone of Melgund’s social and cultural landscape.