Struggles of a Vancouver Island War Museum: A Story of Challenges and Resilience
The HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial in Courtenay, Vancouver Island, stands as a poignant tribute to the 59 brave men who lost their lives when their battleship, the Corvette HMCS Alberni, was sunk off the English coast during the Second World War. Nestled within a small mall on Cliffe Avenue, this museum has long served as a place of remembrance and education, honoring the sacrifices of those who served their country. However, the museum now finds itself in a dire situation, forced to consider relocation due to the challenges posed by a neighboring homeless shelter. The museum’s struggle is not just about finding a new space; it is about preserving history and ensuring the stories of the past are not forgotten.
The Impact of the Homeless Shelter on the Museum
Five years ago, the Connect Temporary Shelter and Service Hub opened its doors next to the museum, with the understanding that it would be a temporary solution to address homelessness in the area. While the museum’s operators acknowledge the pressing need for housing and support services, they were told the shelter would relocate within six to 12 months. Unfortunately, that promise has not been fulfilled. The prolonged presence of the shelter has led to a significant decline in museum visitors, with numbers dropping as drastically as during the COVID-19 closures. Many potential visitors are deterred from visiting the museum due to the challenges associated with the shelter, such as safety concerns and cleanliness issues.
A Call to Action: The Museum’s Fight for Survival
The museum’s founder, Lewis Bartholomew, has voiced his concerns about the situation, highlighting the severe impact on the museum’s operations. “Our visitor numbers dropped severely,” he shared. “They are equal to the COVID closures. Because the visitors don’t want to come down to this part of town.” The museum’s staff, who have been personally funding its operations to keep it afloat, are now at a breaking point. They have reported incidents of overdoses, including three fatalities, and have had to clean up feces in the hallways and at the museum’s gates. One woman even called Bartholomew to ask for an escort to the museum, fearing for her safety. These challenges have made it clear that the museum can no longer remain in its current location.
A Glimmer of Hope: Relocation Efforts and Financial Struggles
The museum is now actively seeking a new home, having identified a potential property across the highway in Cumberland. However, the cost of relocating is prohibitively expensive, and the museum, which has been operating on a shoestring budget, is in dire need of financial support. “We’re penniless,” Bartholomew admitted. The museum is reaching out to the community, appealing for donations or a sponsor who can help them purchase the new building. Without such support, the museum faces the very real possibility of being forced to close its doors permanently. The clock is ticking, as the museum’s lease expires in October.
The Bigger Picture: Homelessness, Housing, and Community Challenges
While the museum’s plight is deeply personal, it also reflects broader challenges faced by communities across Canada. Homelessness is a complex issue, and temporary shelters, while necessary, often create unintended consequences for nearby businesses and organizations. In this case, the Connect Temporary Shelter was meant to be a stopgap measure, but its prolonged presence has disrupted the museum’s ability to function. BC Housing has identified a new permanent location for the shelter, but construction is not expected to be completed for at least three years. For the museum, this timeline is too long, and the damage has already been done.
A Final Push: Saving a Piece of History
The HMCS Alberni Museum and Memorial is more than just a collection of artifacts; it is a living testament to the sacrifices of those who served their country. Its closure would not only be a loss for the community but also a disservice to the memories of the 59 men who gave their lives during the Second World War. As the museum’s lease nears its end, the staff and supporters are making a final push to secure the funds needed to relocate. They are calling on the community to rally behind them, through donations, sponsorships, or any form of support that can help them preserve this important piece of history. The museum’s story is one of resilience, but it is also a reminder of the fragility of our cultural institutions and the importance of safeguarding them for future generations.
