In the mid-1990s, a group of Carman citizens recognized the need for a facility for seniors in the community. After much research—and some controversy—a building project was proposed, a location was secured, and fundraising was initiated. Let’s trace the steps that secured this popular facility.
In 1976, Carman’s first senior centre moved from the Memorial Hall basement to the former CN Station, opening as the Carman Friendship Centre. Activities included cards, choir, teas and potluck lunches, but not much more. A move to a vacant downtown store was considered but didn’t work out. Efforts to build at a new location in the 1990s were put on hold while fundraising was underway for the Health Centre.
It wasn’t until 1993 that Manitoba Health provided funding to establish the newly formed volunteer Carman Resource Council, which hired Nola Sylvester as co-ordinator. Three years later, the senior resource was clearly a success, and former schoolteacher Linda Drewlo came on board. By 1997, the council had assisted 320 seniors with various services that kept Nola, Linda and about 75 volunteers busy at the Station. By 1999, talks of a more spacious home began to resurface.
A location was the first challenge. After examining four options, the committee proposed building a 6,000- to 8,000-square-foot addition on the north side of the arena, which already offered some senior activities like carpet bowling. Maintenance and utilities could also be shared. The DAS shut that down, unwilling to give up midway property, though talks about sharing offices and space continued for years.
Another idea was to sell the Community Hall to the centre and build a new hall, or to remove the railway spur south of the hall to allow for an addition. Neither plan moved forward. The committee then turned its focus to another property—town-owned land close to the arena with room to expand, plenty of parking, and existing horse barns. Despite criticism, the committee believed this was the ideal site for their 9,600-square-foot, $500,000 new home.
The property was sold by the town for $1. The barns, once a hub of activity during race days, were demolished. Fundraising began under the slogan Together We Can. Gala dinners, golf tournaments, big band dances, talent auctions, cash calendars, and generous donations from businesses and individuals helped build momentum. Still, many potential donors held back, clinging to the idea of joining DAS after it lost its buildings in the 2002 grandstand fire.
Talks between the two boards went on for months about a joint 10,000-square-foot facility on DAS land where the former display building stood. Finally, in April 2004, a press release was issued: “It will be beneficial for both organizations to build two separate buildings.” It was a difficult decision, but necessary.
With that settled, opposition faded as the project was promoted as more than just a seniors’ facility—it would serve the entire community and promote health and wellness for all ages. Donations increased, and the decision to borrow the remaining $150,000 to begin construction was a major breakthrough.
But one last hurdle appeared: a petition signed by 200 people opposed to altering the northwest portion of the racetrack. Final drawings were delayed until the building was shortened to 8,320 square feet, preserving the track.
In November 2004, the sod was turned for the new building by Mayor Murray Rinn and committee members Jim McCutcheon and Audrey Funke, the dream’s initiator. Less than a year later, on Sept. 28, 2005, the grand opening was held.
Too many people were involved in making this success story a reality to name individually, but they know who they are. To each of them—thank you.
