Friendship House features new welcoming area and other renovations after assist from PRPA funding

There's s new look inside a familiar building in downtown
Prince Rupert, that following some interior renovations at
the Friendship House
(photo from PRPA website)

For those who make the trip down to Fraser Street and a stop at the city's Friendship House there's a new look in place, with the long established centre in the heart of the city now featuring a new lobby, reception and hallway area, the renovation part of what will be multi-phase renovation.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority provided $62,500 towards the project which will serve to accommodate the growing needs of the organization and handle the traffic coming in and out of the Friendship House. As part of the work,the entrance and reception spaces have been completely overhauled. accommodate the growing needs of the organization and handle the traffic coming in and out of the Friendship House, the entrance and reception spaces have been completely overhauled.  

Anna Zanella, the Executive Director of the Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert noted how the renovations have provided for a more modern look to provide services from. 

 “This renovation has greatly improved our ability to serve our clients by creating a safer, more secure, and more inviting space for them to sign-in for programs, receive referrals, access washrooms, and socialize with friends. We are grateful to the Prince Rupert Port Authority for its continued support in modernizing our facilities, which helps us to enhance our services and bring more people together under our roof.” 

 Shaun Stevenson, CEO and President of the Prince Rupert Port Authority highlighted the work of the Friendship Centre and how it fits into the Port's Community Funding vision. 

 

“The Friendship House of Prince Rupert has an immeasurable impact on North Coast communities, and we are proud to support their efforts to enrich the lives of residents of all ages. Through this Community Investment Fund project, we are enabling their dedicated staff to better accommodate clients and continue to provide a high standard of service and care for decades to come.” 

In addition to the new construction, the lobby now features stunning new artwork by local artist, Lucy Woodman called ‘Whales and Waves’. 

The design depicts a family of black fish swimming by moonlight to urban areas, to find a home away from home in the Friendship Centre movement.

The Port Authority has more on the project here, and has also posted a video that provides a glimpse at the renovations, as well as the artwork in  place at the Friendship Centre.

To learn more about the Friendship Centre see their Facebook page here.

A look at some of the past initiatives supported by the Port's Community Fund see our archive page here.