Hornby Island Athletic Association

OPERATES A COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTRE INCLUDING FITNESS CENTRE MULTI-USE COURT (TENNIS BASKETBALL ROAD HOCKEY PICKLEBALL) BASEBALL FIELD AND DISC GOLF. ALSO PROVIDES PUBLIC WASHROOM LAUNDRY AND SHOWER FACILITY FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND VISITORS. THIS SERVICE IS THE ONLY ONE ON A REMOTE ISLAND WHERE MANY RESIDENTS DO NOT HAVE RUNNING WATER IN THEIR LIVING SPACES/ ALSO PROVIDES THE SPACE FOR A COMMUNITY KITCHEN OFFERING FREE MEALS AND FOOD BANK TO VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS INCLUDING DELIVERY TO SENIORS AND SHUT-INS. THE CLUBHOUSE IS ALSO USED FOR COMMUNITY MEALS MEETINGS MUSICAL EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS FOR ALL AGES. The 2023 PILOT PROJECT WINTER DROP-IN WAS A GREAT SUCCESS AND WE CONTINUED IN 2024 TO OPEN A WARM PUBLIC GATHERING SPACE DAILY FROM 10-3PM SERVING COFFEE SOUP AND SIMPLE BAKED GOODS. JOE'S CAFE OPERATED BETWEEN DECEMBER 2024 AND MARCH 2025. DURING THIS TIME THERE IS NO OTHER PUBLIC SPACE OR COMMERCIAL OPERATOR OFFERING A DRY WARM SPACE ON A CONSISTENT LOW BARRIER UNSTRUCTURED BASIS. DURING THE WET COLD PERIOD IT WAS A CRUCIAL SPACE FOR PEOPLE LIVING ALONE LIVING IN CAMPERS TRAILERS TENTS AND OTHER SUBSTANDARD (UNHEATED) HOUSING TO BE WARM AND TO BREAK THE ISOLATION AND LONELINESS OFTEN EXPERIENCED. THE DROP-IN TRANSITIONED TO A 24HR WARMING CENTRE for 10 days DURING THE EXTREME WEATHER WARNING DESIGNATED BY OUR LOCAL REGIONAL DISTRICT WITH EXISTING STAFF EXTENDING HOURS TO INCLUDE AN EVENING MEAL 8 AM START AND SUPERVISED OVERNIGHT SHELTER. WE ARE EXPANDING SOCIAL EVENTS IN EVENINGS AND ON WEEKENDS IN THE OFF-SEASON TO PROVIDE MORE SOCIAL CONNECTION IN WINTER ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS AND LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS