xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Hall at Risk Without Immediate Community Support

The xwesam-Roberts Creek Community Association (xRCCA) is asking the community to step forward and help ensure the future of the community hall and the many events that define life in Roberts Creek.

For nearly 100 years, the Hall and its events have been at the heart of community life. From Earth Day and Creek Daze to Eek the Creek, Santa in the Creek, the Community Christmas Dinner, and the newer Festival of Lights and Multicultural Day celebrations, these traditions help make Roberts Creek more than simply a place on the map.

Over the years, the role of the xRCCA has expanded dramatically. The Association owns and operates the Hall, oversees the library and gazebo property, organizes major community events, and manages an increasingly busy facility that now includes commercial kitchen rentals and activities nearly every night of the week.

In earlier years, Hall maintenance and events were entirely volunteer-driven. Hall managers were modestly compensated, community groups organized activities independently, and volunteers naturally stepped up to make things happen. But in 2026, operating a community hall requires paid management, cleaning staff, event coordination, permits, insurance, and compliance with increasingly complex regulations.

Thanks to the dedication of a core group of volunteers and the success of grant funding in recent years, the xRCCA has been able to complete major renovations, including a new roof, siding, flooring, foundation, water line, septic system, kitchen and washrooms, while maintaining fair wages for our two staff: 1 full-time Hall Manager/Event Coordinator and 1 part-time Assistant Hall Manager, both of who often put in extra unpaid hours. Most of the renovations were done during the pandemic and there were some surprises that come with old buildings and in a time when supply costs were at a premium. We ensured that the work was finished but had to take out a mortgage to do so and this has added to our monthly bills.

Today, however, the xRCCA faces significant financial and operational challenges, including the rising cost of monthly services. Hall rentals have decreased by approximately 30%, and bookings are not expected to improve until the fall. Wedding bookings are also lower than usual this season. While the xRCCA has continued to secure grants, most available funding is restricted to specific projects and cannot be used to cover basic operating expenses such as utilities, staffing, insurance, and maintenance.

As a result, the Association can continue hosting events and programming but is struggling to meet day-to-day operating costs. Some expenses have already been deferred, with approximately $6,000 currently outstanding, and there is growing concern about the ability to meet those obligations when payments come due again.

These ongoing financial pressures have created significant uncertainty for the future of the Hall. While programs and events continue, the lack of unrestricted operating funding is making it increasingly difficult to sustain regular operations and preserve the community space that so many residents rely on.

How Creekers Can Help

• Volunteer: More volunteers are needed to keep events running smoothly. When calls for help go out, community members are encouraged to step up. Residents with creative ideas for events or activities are also invited to bring them forward and help organize them.

• Join the xRCCA: The Association’s Annual General Meeting and elections will take place on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the Hall. The xRCCA is seeking new board members, fresh ideas, and greater community participation.

• Support Through IGA Gift Cards: Residents can purchase and reload IGA gift cards through the xRCCA, with a percentage of their purchases going directly to support the Association. We are happy to send cards out!

• Purchase 50/50 Tickets: Tickets are now available online with the draw taking place on July 31 at 1:45 pm at the Hall. Find info on our website robertscreekcommunity.com

• Support Future Fundraising: The xRCCA is also preparing its application for registered charity status, which will allow donors to receive tax receipts for contributions and help support efforts to pay down the Hall mortgage and ensure the continued operation of the Hall and community programming.

“The Hall and our community events belong to all of us,” says the xRCCA. “Without community support, Roberts Creek risks losing an important part of what makes this place unique. We know Creekers care deeply about this community, and we believe they will step up once again.”

Please share far and wide!