In May 2026, the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre (SSAC) will celebrate its 40th anniversary in the Trail Avenue facility, although the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre Society was founded in 1999. In fact, the entire year of 2026 will be dedicated to marking this important milestone. The roots of our Centre reach back much further than 1999, in fact nearly two decades earlier, reflecting a long tradition of community, determination, and vision.
Much of the historical information shared here, and in upcoming editions of The ECHO, is drawn from the comprehensive record of the Centre’s early years (1969–1999). This invaluable history was compiled through the extraordinary efforts of Elizabeth Derby, Larry Grafton, and Bonnie Hewitt. We extend our sincere gratitude to them for preserving the story of SSAC so thoughtfully and thoroughly.
The journey began on January 16, 1969, when our predecessors were granted status as Branch No. 69 of the Senior Citizens Association of British Columbia. In those early years, meetings and social gatherings were held in rented rooms at the Legion Hall on Mermaid Street. Modest donations covered rent and refreshments, and these gatherings quickly became vibrant social occasions, showcasing local musicians, singers, and performers. These activities laid the foundation for what remains a core purpose of the Centre today: meaningful social connection for seniors.
Throughout the early 1970s, the range of activities expanded, including the formation of a vocal group, an old-time dancing club, and the introduction of carpet bowling and shuffleboard. As participation grew, so did the need for a permanent home. When the Legion decided to sell its hall in 1974, SSAC seized the opportunity to purchase it for $50,000, launching an ambitious fundraising campaign. Members volunteered countless hours, organizing raffles, bingos, bazaars, and events, while also seeking support from governments and granting agencies.
Despite financial challenges, perseverance paid off. Grants, donations, and tireless volunteer effort made it possible not only to purchase the hall but also to furnish it and keep programs running. The official grand opening took place in May 1975, marking a proud moment in the Centre’s history. Over the following years, volunteers continued to maintain the building, manage rentals to offset expenses, and support a growing range of programs and services.
By the early 1980s, it became clear that the facility could no longer meet the Centre’s needs. After years of investigation and planning, members approved the purchase of property on Trail Avenue and Spindrift Lane in 1984, for a cost of $60,000. Once again, determination and community support prevailed, allowing the Centre to secure land for a new home and continue building toward a sustainable future.
In future editions of The ECHO, we will continue this story, tracing the decisions and dedication that ultimately placed SSAC in the strong position it enjoys today. Thanks to the foresight of those early members, the Centre now owns its own building, currently assessed at $2.74 million, providing a lasting legacy for generations of seniors to come.
