Cheer Story: Odessa’s New Hall: A Community Effort

For the village of Odessa, building a new hall was a monumental task, but thanks to dedicated volunteers and unwavering community support, the dream became a reality. Annette Gaetz, a local volunteer, shared the journey of building the new hall and the impact it has on the community.

"In 2018, a public meeting was held to discuss the future of our community hall. The old hall had served its purpose, but we needed an upgrade. Building and fundraising committees were set up, and everybody went to work.”

The old hall was demolished in March 2022, groundwork began in June 2022, forms for cement were set in August 2022, and construction began thereafter. The cost of the hall was over $1 million, with approximately 8,000 volunteer hours invested.

“The first event in the new hall was held on March 9, 2024. The new hall provides us with a place to gather, host community events, and bring people to our community to see what it has to offer."

Annette emphasized that community support was essential. She explained that gaining widespread buy-in from residents was crucial because help was needed in many forms. Some community members contributed to the physical construction, while others supported fundraising efforts, event planning, and organizational tasks. She also stressed the importance of identifying the community’s specific needs and ensuring the building would serve those purposes.

The biggest challenge for the project was the COVID-19 pandemic. Annette explained that the building committee had established a budget, but as the pandemic unfolded, the financial plan was significantly impacted. Supply chain disruptions and inflation led to increased costs, forcing the team to make adjustments to keep the project on track.

Ultimately, the project’s success was driven by volunteers. Annette credited the incredible spirit of Odessa’s residents for making the new hall a reality. The community has long been known for its strong volunteer culture, and that dedication was on full display throughout the hall’s construction.

“This was a huge and rewarding undertaking for our small community.  The hall will provide a central place for residents from our community and surrounding communities to gather and celebrate those special events while continuing to be one of the hubs of our community.”

“This new hall will enhance our community and is imperative to its survival and growth.  We are looking forward to having a place to come together as family, friends and neighbours again.”

Odessa’s new hall stands as a testament to what a community can accomplish when it comes together with a shared vision and determination. It’s more than just a building—it’s a place where memories will be made for generations to come.

For more information on the features of the new hall check out: http://odessa.ca/community-hall/