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 Archive facility,
- 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 Museum & Archives (M&A) are housed in an adjacent building to the north, both buildings are located at 1111 Northwest Road. Museum and Archives (M&A) information can be accessed at this link. The DSMS Constitution and Bylaws can be accessed at DSMS Constitution and By-Laws.
The DAC is a venue for many community events and activities throughout the year. Some examples of annual events are the Christmas Craft Fair, and Remembrance Day Service. Other examples of events supported by the DAC include Celebrations of Life, social gatherings, elections, vaccination clinics, and public meetings. Activities include but are not limited to yoga, dance, table tennis and pickleball.
The DAC houses 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 rental income and various grants. Fitness Centre memberships provide essential funds for the operation and maintenance of the facility and its equipment.
The DSMS board meets monthly in the facility’s lounge. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically held in the lounge, in late November or early December.
A standing committee of local volunteers manages the Museum and Archives (M&A). The M&A 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.
The FC is managed by 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, 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. Pleases note that special events such as vaccination clinics or Celebrations of Life can supersede regularly booked activities by contacting DSMS’ booking agent. The DSMS booking agent will coordinate the schedule changes arising from such a booking with the representative of each scheduled activity.
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 (CVRD) for their continued support. Their website, www.comoxvalleyrd.ca can be accessed for more information.