SERVICES DUring OUR RENOVATIONS
Dear Shelbourne Community Kitchen Members,
Our facility is currently under construction! Banyan Group Construction is managing Phase 2 renovations and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing leadership and expertise.
This exciting renovation project includes:
- Building a commercial kitchen and dining area in the main room.
- Conducting a number of accessibility upgrades, including the washrooms, main entrance railings and pathway, and workstations.
- Adapting the Pantry Program room, offices and meeting space for improved efficiency.
- Expanding the existing walk-in cooler, adding a walk-in freezer, and improving lighting in food storage.
- Installing additional fire suppression, HVAC, and air conditioning.
As you can see from the outline above, the project will encompass all areas of our facility.
Staying connected and providing food support for our members during the renovations is our top priority.
Thanks to the generous support from our friends at Lutheran Church of the Cross, the Shelbourne Community Kitchen is operating two days a week from another part of the building -the Upper Hall.
Hours of Operation During Renovations:
- Wednesdays 12pm-5pm
- Fridays 10am-3pm
- The Kitchen is closed all other days of the week.
Programs and Services Provided:
- Monthly Grocery Program access resumes with adapted offerings.
- Voucher Program access continues unchanged. Delivery available 1x week (call Wednesday for Friday delivery)
- Monthly Meal Kit distributions.
Our team will send regular updates about the project, timeline, and any changes to services as we go through the process. You will also be able to find up to date information on our website, voicemail and on our social media channels.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, donors, sponsors and funders, who have supported this project in so many ways!
–The Kitchen Team
CONSTRUCtioN UPDATE
Happy Spring!
Time for an update on how construction of our long awaited commercial kitchen, accessibility upgrades and additional walk in cooler and freezer are coming along. Like most construction projects in our community, there have been some unforeseen delays. We had to go back to the drawing board for our required HVAC and fire suppression systems due to increased costs. These plans were resubmitted to Saanich planning for approval. All the core renovations have been completed. Left to do are the installation of the island cabinets and counters in the Commercial Kitchen, along with the stainless steel counters and sink, fire suppression hood, and non-slip flooring. In the dishroom, a new larger dishwasher and stainless steel 3 part sink will be installed. HVAC and air conditioning units will be placed throughout the facility. In the Food Supply Area, there will be an additional walk-in cooler and freezer along with improved lighting and a hand wash sink. Both bathrooms will have improved accessibility. The Pantry Area and Office space has been reconfigured, and a workshop space that will double as expanded seating for community meals has been added.
So when will all these renovations be completed? The target date is mid September 2024. We will continue to provide the Pantry Program in the Lutheran Church of the Cross upper hall for the same 2 days a week until that time. Our deep gratitude to LCC for allowing The Kitchen to use this space until the fall. Their ongoing support has been crucial in maintaining our services.
What else is coming? Just because our facility is under construction, doesn’t mean we can’t still cook, garden, and share skills together. Where there is a will, there’s a way! With added staff support from Canada Summer Jobs, our team is planning a number of exciting events, cooking programs, and activities for the summer!
We realize that the new target date for the renovations is not the news you may have been hoping for. We will continue to push the construction project forward, while getting creative and offering plenty of programs for our participants this summer.
Mark your calendar for the Shelbourne Community Kitchen AGM which will be held on Tuesday June 11, 2024. It will be in person again this year with a delicious member dinner served before the Annual General Meeting. You will have the opportunity to meet new and ongoing Board members and say goodbye to a few who are retiring from the board. All of us at The Kitchen look forward to seeing each other in person, celebrating the work that has been done and sharing what is yet to come.
In community spirit,
Clarice Dillman, Board Chair
PHASE TWO RENOVATIONS:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Last Updated: April 16, 2024
How long will The Kitchen be under renovations?
- A revised timeline will be shared soon. Stay tuned!
Where is the Upper Hall located?
- Lutheran Church of the Cross’ Upper Hall is located in the same building as Shelbourne Community Kitchen, just one floor up. Please enter through the large wooden church doors and follow the signs to find us.
Will new members continue to be accepted during renovations?
- Yes, we will continue to register new members during the renovations.
Can I still phone in my order?
- Yes! Our number has not changed (250) 590-0980. The phones do get very busy, so we ask that you leave one voicemail and our team will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Will there still be delivery service for those who are living with chronic illness and/or mobility barriers?
- We continue to offer delivery once a week. Please call in orders on Wednesday for delivery on Friday.
Where will the commercial kitchen be located?
- In the main room of the Shelbourne Community Kitchen, where you have often seen volunteers portioning food.
Will I still be able to volunteer during the renovations phase?
- Our volunteer needs and scheduling will change significantly over the next few months, but we look forward to staying in touch and working together as much as possible. Please stay tuned for volunteer opportunities!