The newly renovated St Jean Hall revealed its new look to residents on Tuesday during the communities Canada 150 kick off celebration.

The hall, which originally had two entrances, served the community as a public gathering place and seniors centre for a number of years. The newly upgraded facility now offers a large and open conjoined entrance, upgraded kitchen and better accessibility for those with disabilities.

Project spokesman Lucien Jean said the idea to upgrade the facility came to him a number of years ago after an evening walk with his wife.

"I was on the hall committee and my wife commented how the interior of the hall looked fine, but that something needed to be done with the exterior and that the two entrances should be conjoined."

Funding for the upgraded facility came from a variety of donors including provincial, federal and municipal grants, Sun Valley Co-op, and community residents. St Jean Parks and Recreation alone raised $140,000 for the $486,000 upgrade.

Jean playfully added that if people don't like what they see in the new upgrade, they should talk to his wife because it was her idea.

"So may people from the community and the municipality had a hand in making this space a reality. I want to thank the board, all the volunteers, donors, local students and any one else that was involved in helping us upgrade the St Jean Hall. Today was also about the kick-off celebration of Canada's 150th birthday for St Jean and we felt the hall re-opening was a good way to do that." explained Jean.

Jean, who represented the community hall board, Reeve Derek Sabourin, and MP Ted Falk made presentations as part of the ceremony. Local students performed songs in French and English including Oh Canada.
During the presentations Sabourin said the day signified the great things that can happen when people with a vision come together.