The Denman Activity Centre is owned and operated by the Denman Seniors & Museum Society (DSMS). DSMS came into being as a charity and a registered non-profit Society in B.C. in 1980.
The purposes of the DSMS are to:
- Maintain and operate the building known as the Denman Activity Centre, which includes the Museum and other facilities,
- Provide facilities for community social events and recreational activities, and
- Partner with other organizations to provide community services, events, and activities.
DSMS is housed in the Tess Trueman Hall, better known as the Denman Activity Centre (DAC). The DAC is a venue for several community events throughout the year, such as the annual Christmas Fair, and Remembrance Day. Other events supported by the DAC include Celebrations of Life, Social Gatherings (e.g dances), sports activities (table tennis, volleyball, pickleball), elections, vaccination clinics and public meetings.
The multi-purpose facility is in the heart of downtown Denman Island at 1111 Northwest Road. The DAC houses the Denman Island Museum and Archives (M&A), a two-level fitness centre, a gymnasium, a lounge/meeting area and a commercial kitchen.
The DAC is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors and maintained by a group of volunteers on the island, as well as select contractors. Our primary funding partner is the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD), with additional funding from the Tess Trueman Foundation, facility rentals and various grants. Fitness Centre memberships also make an important contribution to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility and its equipment. The DAC wishes to acknowledge the CVRD for their ongoing support and invite you to access their website, www.comoxvalleyrd.ca. for more information.
The DAC board meets monthly in the facility’s lounge. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically held in late November/early December.
A standing committee of local volunteers manages the Museum and Archives (M&A). The M&A is located at the north end of the DAC and opens its doors to the public from July 1 through Labor Day. It can also be opened by special arrangement. Click here for further information.
The DAC Fitness Centre (FC) houses a variety of professional fitness equipment, free weights, and workout space. Members enjoy 24/7 keycode access for a modest fee. Members may also use the gymnasium when it is not booked for other activities. Special events can be booked in lieu of regular activities by booking through DSMS’ booking agent. The FC is managed by our Fitness Coordinator, Sue Stewart. Click here for more information about fitness memberships.
The gymnasium has a wood floor and has been used for badminton, table tennis, volleyball and pickleball sports activities. Other events include adult and youth dance classes, Taoist Tai Chi, Qi Gong, special teen events and social events. It is also available for rent for celebrations, memorial services, public meetings, fundraisers and private instruction for self-managed fitness and sports classes. Click here for rental information.
The lounge can be rented on its own or in conjunction with the gymnasium. It is often rented for meetings, arts and crafts, private parties, seniors’ lunches, community dinners and fundraisers. Click here for rental information.
The small commercial kitchen is often rented in conjunction with the gymnasium and/or lounge. It has also been solely rented for various pop-up food venues. Click here for rental information.
DSMS thanks the Comox Valley Regional District for their continued support. The DSMS Constitution and Bylaws can be accessed here: DSMS Constitution and By-Laws