History

The story of The Centre began in January 1979 when twelve seniors began meeting in a private residence. When membership increased, the group moved to the Central Saanich Lions’ Hall where the first regular meeting was held in January 1980.

Membership and activities continued to grow necessitating a larger facility. In 1982, a 3-bedroom house owned by the Municipality of Central Saanich was slated to be moved to create space for a new library. CSSCA requested use of the house as a seniors’ facility where they could meet and enjoy various programs. The municipal council approved the request and agreed to move the house to a new location, which is where the Centre currently sits. CSSCA formed a building committee to undertake the building of a foundation and the renovation of the house. On November 5, 1982, the Central Saanich Senior Citizens Association (CSSCA) became a registered society under the B.C. Societies Act.

On January 1, 1983, CSSCA became a registered charity. On the 20th of the same month, the house was placed on its’ new foundation and renovations began. With considerable support from the members, Central Saanich Municipality and Lions Club, grants, contributions from local trades and many hours of volunteer labour, the transformation was completed. On November 7, 1983, the new Centre, complete with a newly constructed basement, was officially opened. Central Saanich retained ownership of the building and leased it to CSSCA as they continue to do today.

By 1987, an expansion was needed to accommodate the Centre’s growing membership. The Municipality was planning to expand the library, so discussions were held with them and an addition to the Centre was approved. After 4 years of fundraising and donations, the expanded Centre was opened in 1992. This expansion includes the main hall and the lower hall areas.

It has been over 40 years since the house was opened and over 30 years since the addition was added. Since then, membership has continued to grow, and activities have evolved and increased. The facility that we affectionately refer to as “The Centre” has a proud history of offering seniors a place of their own where they can enjoy activities, a cup of coffee and, most
importantly, friendship.