The Lochdale Community Hall is a one-storey wood-frame building located on Sperling Avenue, near its intersection with Hastings Street, in the centre of the Lochdale district in North Burnaby. Built in stages, its current configuration has an L-shaped plan, with three different roof structures.
The Lochdale Community Hall is a one-storey wood-frame building located on Sperling Avenue, near its intersection with Hastings Street, in the centre of the Lochdale district in North Burnaby. Built in stages, its current configuration has an L-shaped plan, with three different roof structures.
Heritage Value
The heritage value of the Lochdale Community Hall is as Burnaby’s last remaining early community hall building. It was constructed with volunteer labour and donated materials in 1925 through the efforts of the Lochdale Social Club. The Hall is a valuable reminder of the way in which early communities banded together for mutual support at a time when transportation was more difficult and local communities were more isolated than today.
This residents’ association has used this building to support the community through public political meetings, theatre, dinners and dances, creating strong community ties in North Burnaby. The Hall was also used briefly for the services of St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican parish until their church was completed in 1929, demonstrating a spirit of community cooperation at a time when local institutions were being established in the area.
Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the Lochdale Community Hall include its:
- central location in the Lochdale community
- modest vernacular architecture and massing
- stepped-pitch gable roof of the main hall
- shallow-pitched gable roof of the entrance porch
- Craftsman style eave brackets
- central front entry
- interior features such as the main open hall with an elevated stage
Early Burnaby as recalled by the settlers themselves who arrived from every corner of the world between 1888 and 1930, some witnessing incorporation of the district in 1892, all seeking a better life for themselves and especially for their children, all helping transform the wilderness into the modern municipality of today.
Subseries consists of records pertaining to the Lochdale Community Hall with emphasis on financial records and meeting minutes.
History
The Lochdale Social Club of Lochdale, BC began in January 1925. The object of the club was "to promote friendly assistance and social intercourse within the community." The club later changed its name to the Lochdale Community Hall Association.