by PAUL RAYNER

Although it took some time to settle the site, now that step is done, those involved in the new food pantry project are moving forward quickly.

The new structure will be built at 447 South Railway Street, in between the Cherry Creek Inn and the Community Centre. The choice of site follows a lengthy search of different options, including one by the Arts Park on Stephen Street. According to Jake Neufeld of the building committee, the choice was a return to an earlier possibility.

“It was actually the first site we ever looked at,” Neufeld stated. “What happened was some of the others we looked at didn’t work out. It is a very good location for the food pantry. It is a little bit out of the way but has good access. It is a really nice location.”

The new food pantry concept came out of the Whitewater Mennonite Church, which was looking for a building project that would benefit the community as a whole. The present food pantry, which provides basic necessities for those in need, is located in the basement of the Civic Centre. Although serviceable, it is considered far from ideal, as it is downstairs and difficult to deliver food to, lacks privacy, and is very crowded. These issues can be taken care of through a new facility.

Neufeld said the new site would mean narrowing down the project a couple of feet to 24 ft by 32 ft, which is still a good size. It will contain plenty of storage space for freezers and refrigerators, office, washrooms, utility room and space for pick up of donated food.

He added the costs for the structure are estimated at $25,000 at the top end. Donations have been received already, both cash and material. Neufeld said that since it is a Whitewater project, they will be responsible for any costs not covered by donations or possibly grants, but feels donations will pick up now things are more settled.

“I feel that once people see the building up and the work going on, the community will kick in,” he said. “The donations will come to the church so they can be receipted. Once things start to look like a building is coming up, I think we’ll get more donations, maybe even things like freezers and cabinets.”

He added the building will be moveable, and so if there is no need for a food pantry in the future, it could be sold as a cabin with the money being returned to the community.

As for the construction, it has already begun. The digging began for the sewer and water, and when that is in place, they can begin to get the structure proper in place.

“We would like to get the shell up as soon as possible, hopefully before it snows. If everything works out, we can start construction next week. There is lots of volunteer labour, but you have to do everything in order, get the sewer and water in before the floor. Once it is closed in, we can put some heat in and work on the inside. It shouldn’t take long if the weather is decent.”

They are presently hoping to be in the new facility by Christmas. At any rate, Neufeld said they are happy to be able to get going on the practical aspects of the important project.

“We would have liked to be going a couple of months ago,” Neufeld stated. “It is harder to keep your fingers warm now. But we’re glad to be at this point. We heard from people that once we got to this point, they would be there. It is good of the community to do that. I feel people see it is a building that is not there to make money, but for the community. We feel good about that.”