The existing Summer land Youth Centre has been witness to a great number of events and changes throughout its long history.

In 1906, the original structure was built as the college gymnasium, and functioned in that capacity for a great number of years.

By 1949, the building had fallen into a state of neglect and was sold for $3,500 to an enterprising group of Summerlanders who envisioned its potential as a “Youth Centre”. This group formed the Summerland Youth Centre association and borrowed the money to buy the structure and complete the necessary repairs to make the building functional. These repairs included new roof shingles, a new floor, downstair washroom facilities, insulation and upgraded heating equipment to replace the original “peach pit” furnaces, A public appeal was launched and the community responded by donating $8,000 to cover the repair costs. The hall opened in October 1949.

In 1951, an industrial arts building was purchased from the school board for one dollar; cut in half, and attached to the back of the Youth Centre to provide a kitchen and storage.

In 1971 the existing heating system was installed. It replaced an antiquated oil, coal and the original “peach pit” burning equipment .

In 1978 the building was declared unsafe. The entire roof structure had to be replaced and the walls pulled together at the bop elevations. The $20,000 cost of these repairs was again raised through public donations. The new roof gave the building a much different look but at the same time lowered the interior height to 18 feet.

In 1980, the sub-division and sale of two lots financed a new maple floor, upstairs washrooms, paved parking lot, renovated kitchen and the retirement of outstanding debt.

In 1985, the font hall, additional storage area at the rear and the access ramp were added.

In 1988, an attempt was made to raise a minimum of 45,000 to upgrade electrical and heating systems, new stage curtains, etc, but unfortunately only limited funds were raised.

In 1991 the Fire Commissioner made a fire safety improvement inspection and issued a ten page report listing deficiencies to be corrected to comply with the Fire Services Act. 

After 87 years, its time to bid a very fond farewell to the old structure and think to the future.
new, multi-use Community Centre will be built adjacent to the Summerland arena facing Peach Orchard Road.

Provided by John Dorn
_{Summerland BC}