The 100 Mile House Snowmobile Club clubhouse needs some renovations.
First built 50 years ago by avid snowmobiler Jack Barnett, the clubhouse has served the club well for years, Rick Kyllo, the club’s president said. Barnett built it using a grant and its construction also served as a training program, Kyllo explained, noting that none of the logs used are symmetrical. They’re all different thicknesses and to fit them all together, with no gaps, required an artistic level of skill.
However, decades of exposure have left its marks on this unique exterior. Kyllo said the logs all need to be restored to their former glory.
“That’s a very intensive job and most of our club membership is older ladies and gentlemen and I don’t want them up on ladders. We’ve asked for volunteers and it doesn’t seem to be something people want to do so we’ll have to contract it,” Kyllo said.
Kyllo said the logs need to be sanded down twice, restained and sealed up with lacquer by a professional. Afterward, they’ll be able to chink the logs to ensure the building is properly insulated.
He estimates the cost to finish the exterior of the building will be around $25,000 while chinking will be another $15,000. Kyllo had planned to begin fundraising later this month with the 100 Mile House Snow Drags, which have been postponed due to the lack of snow. He still hopes to raise the $25,000 through events like the snow drags, while for the chinking he should be able to secure a grant from the federal government. Properly insulating the building will make it more energy efficient.
“My goal in five years, when I don’t want to be the president anymore, is that I want the building refinished on the outside. We’ve got a new roof and the insides have all been done and then the building is in a state so that, if the snowmobile club ever fails, the building is still here in perpetuity for the people of 100 Mile House,” Kyllo explained. “People put a lot of effort into this place over the years and I would hate to see all their hard work and volunteerism be for not.”
Replacing the facility using modern standards and materials would cost upwards of $750,000 if not $1-million Kyllo said. That’s why he hopes the community will support the club so they can complete the maintenance that will keep it standing for years to come.
