LADYSMITH – The Town of Ladysmith is moving forward with improvements to the Machine Shop that will restore public access and vibrancy to this heritage building as the ‘heart’ of the Arts & Heritage Hub.
The Town previously received $3,307,500 through the Federal government’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Rural and Northern Communities for Hub projects, including the construction of a new Artist Studio.
The Arts & Heritage Hub Design Steering Committee with guidance from Stz’uminus Elders collaborated with an architectural firm for over a year to finalize a studio design, including floorspace, as well as landscaping features.
Council made the financially prudent decision not to award the construction tender after inflationary pressures and other unfavourable economic conditions caused construction of the proposed design to exceed the original budget by 67%.
The Town has now received approval from Federal and Provincial funders for a change in scope to allow funds to go solely towards reactivating 3,900 sq-ft of public space within the Machine Shop. The Town’s ICIP grant application did not include these upgrades as the required work was ineligible under the program requirements.
“We are thankful to our funding partners for supporting the reallocation of grant funding to this important historical and cultural asset at our waterfront. Reactivation of the Machine Shop is an important step forward for our thriving arts and culture scene and the Arts & Heritage Hub component of the Waterfront Area Plan,” said Mayor Aaron Stone.
The completion of these upgrades to the Machine Shop will further facilitate use of the building by community groups, artists, and other prospective lease holders, helping ensure the Arts & Heritage Hub area is a gathering place for residents and visitors.
The Town intends to complete the following upgrades:
- Addition of a new public meeting space available for community rentals.
- A new multipurpose teaching space equipped with a sink.
- Two accessible washrooms – ground and upper floors.
- New windows across the entire front of the building helping further improve energy efficiency and lowering utility costs for tenants.
- Two artists studios available for long-term rentals.
- Entryways and stairwells highlighted by an indoor display space for public art and cultural installations.
- Landscaping and rehabilitation of the outdoor performance space to the south of the building.
- An accessible 200 ft boardwalk fronting the building.
- All related works such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire safety to meet the BC Building Code requirements.
The Town anticipates issuing a Request for Proposal for Project Construction Management in early March with a reopening of the Machine Shop before Spring 2026.
“I extend our gratitude to the Arts & Heritage Hub Steering Committee for their work, and in particular Stz’uminus Elders who contributed their knowledge, perspectives and stories to the design of the Artist Studio,” said Mayor Stone. “I also extend our thanks to the Arts Council of Ladysmith & District for their patience and perseverance in not just adapting, but growing and thriving, while being displaced from the Waterfront Art Gallery, studio and teaching spaces. We can’t wait to reactivate this important community asset and look forward to further progress on the Waterfront Area Plan.”
The completion of the Machine Shop restoration is among Council’s strategic priorities for the term. The Town is continuing to explore potential grant options for the construction of the Artist Studio.
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