The Station
The Station has been part of the vision of Barnabas from the beginning. This will become the hub of the landing with new meeting and lounge spaces, dining room and commercial kitchen, guest bedrooms and a year-round store.
History
The Station was first envisaged in some early sketches by our founder, Rob Bentall, in 1974. Rob imagined a literal station-like building where families and individuals could ‘stop-off’ on their life journey, to experience refreshment and re-invigoration.
“The Station was to be a place where families could come for restoration-time; a stopping place for strengthening, educating and encouraging.“
The building itself was to be at the core of Barnabas’ facilities, combining dining, kitchen, meeting, sleeping, recreation and relaxation space…and the end is in sight. There have been many miracles along the way, with stories of incredible provision just at the time when funds would be required to keep the project moving forward.
Construction Progress
Some 40 years after it was first envisioned, the foundations were dug in the Fall of 2014 and the building began to take shape over the ensuing years. The Kitchen and outdoor eating area were the first parts of the building to be completed in April 2019, and the Dining room opened early in 2020. In the Fall of 2021 we opened the main floor and mezzanine areas of the Station, including the lobby and lounge, a large conference/meeting space plus an administration centre with multiple offices, further meeting areas and a year-round store for our guests.
The spacious Lounge area includes comfortable seating areas around a stunning fireplace with breathtaking views over the Howe Sound, while providing direct access into the new 100 person Dining Room.
We hope to open the lower level in late-2022. This will incorporate 7 spacious ocean-facing guest suites each with ensuite washrooms and exterior patios, plus a games room, service area and some attractive ‘tenter’ bathrooms which will complement our freshly landscaped tenting orchard to the west of The Station. With this and the new bedrooms, overall guest capacity will increase in the summertime, while year-round capacity will increase to 66 adults with double occupancy. We couldn’t be more excited!
Donate
There are many ways to participate in the continuing growth and ministry of Barnabas. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining us.