Qualicum Beach residents who oppose town council’s decision to remove the historic St. Andrews Lodge are planning to hold a rally on Monday, Nov. 2.
The rally will take place at the St. Andrews Lodge and Cottages property located at Buller Road and Highway 19A. Organizers are encouraging residents to gather as early as 7 a.m. and stand in solidarity for the preservation of the building.
“Our history is an important piece of what makes Qualicum Beach special,” said former councillor Anne Skipsey. “Erasing our heritage tears at the fabric of our community and the story of who we are. But this is as much of a fight about honouring our past as it is for creating a cultural site that can benefit us for generations forth.”
RELATED: Town of Qualicum Bech to remove old St. Andrews Lodge building
On Oct. 28, town council has directed staff to move forward with the relocation or demolition of the lodge that was built in 1938. The town plans to turn into a public park the 6,500 square metres waterfront property it purchased two year ago for $3.4 million.
The rally, organizers said, comes on the heels of the council not to collaborating with the community on a grant-driven plan to save the lodge.
Strict social-distancing protocols will be in place.
