The Port Joli Community Association is a registered non-profit organization incorporated since 1961. The objective of the Association has always been “to own and maintain the Port Joli Community Hall”.
In 1961 when the Port Joli School closed, a group of community residents led by local businessmen Charles Kelsey and George Whalley got together and formed the Port Joli Community Association with the intention of keeping the building in the Community as a “center” or hall.
A key fundraiser for the hall was hosting the popular community suppers and to accommodate these functions a large kitchen ell was added in the 1960’s. See photo of the community hall with kitchen ell on Hall History page.
For nearly 50 years the tides of community interest and support have ebbed and flowed. Community commitment hit an all time low in 2000. In 2007, a small, but very dedicated, group saw the heritage value of the building and a potential for the future.
The Association was rejuvenated with an ambitious plan to totally renovate the building with a more traditional look. In addition to having the meeting room for community events on the lower level, there are plans for a small interpretive center upstairs celebrating the rich natural and cultural history of the area.
The Association welcomes new members. Membership not only entitles you to one free hall rental but ensures you can keep informed of progress of the Association and be able to help plan future events.
Port Joli, once a vibrant small fishing community situated on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, today is home to lobster fishers, trades people, professionals, artists, business people, retirees, and seasonal residents.