1

For twenty years, 1973 - 1993 the One Way Adventure Foundation, an organization that once figured prominently in Hedley life. The OWAF was the vision of Mr. and Mrs. L Roberts. In 1973 Roberts placed an ad in a Surrey newspaper advertising canoe trips. A probation officer asked them to take a number of young probationers on an expedition. The initial trip was successful and they were offered a contract to work with probationers on a longterm basis. They agreed, hoping that with counselling, employment training opportunities, wilderness programs, and interaction with staff of good character, dysfunctional youths would have a better chance of becoming productive citizens.
The Foundation quickly developed a solid reputation for positive results. By 1974 the organization needed a more remote setting so they could take the youths out of their often dysfunctional homes and away from their peers. At that time the Hedley real estate market was pretty much dormant. Selling a property was virtually impossible. When the Colonial Inn and the Gold House became available, no one else showed an interest and the OWAF was able to obtain a mortgage for their acquisition. Both structures had been seriously vandalized by vagrants. Paint had been poured out on floors, carpets ripped up, the plumbing was in disrepair, toilets were broken etc. Surrey workers were brought to Hedley and they set to work making the repairs.
In time there were 4 programs operated by the OWAF in Hedley. Probation officers, social workers and judges were sending problem youths from all over the province. At least 25-30 youths needed accommodation and activities. Staff also needed homes. The pressure to find accommodation was intense.
The OWAF were able to purchase many buildings around Hedley as property values were low and many buildings were left abandoned, as many lots were left to the tenacious natural habitat. The Mother Lode Store (Country Market) was opened in response to a request from members of the community after the existing store burned down. In addition to providing groceries for the community, it gave many youths an opportunity to develop skills and work habits. The upstairs became a staff home. The Post office building was acquired for offices downstairs and initially staff accommodation upstairs. The organization commissioned the painting of the mural that is still visible on the side of the building.

The 4 Horsemen Restaurant (Shatford Mining Department Store ca.1903, Masonic Dance Hall, Collens Department Store, Golden Nickel, and now the Hitching Post Restaurant) provided a further opportunity for training and a quality restaurant for the public. Central Station (Innis Garage at the corner of Scott Avenue and Haynes Street) was acquired when the Foundation needed space for a school, a weight room, a games room, and storage. When the motel (previously the Grand Union Hotel), came up for sale, the Foundation was again in urgent need of accommodation for students and staff, and therefore purchased it. Most of these buildings required considerable refurbishing and were brought up to code.
The OWAF did more than restore derelict buildings. It also contributed positively to the life of Hedley citizens. It operated the Hedley Youth Activity Club for children and young people living in town. Skiing, rock climbing, and river rafting were some of the activities. One of the programs picked up garbage and shovelled snow for seniors and shut-ins. Another program cut logs into firewood length, split the pieces and delivered the wood at a very reasonable price. Younger workers joined the fire department. Their children attended the elementary school and this increased enrolment which kept the school from being closed at that time. The presence of the Foundation workers brought an atmosphere of stability and safety to the town. Seniors said they were no longer afraid someone would rob them of their pension cheques.
Even though most of the buildings acquired by the OWAF had been vacant for some time, a small, persistent contingent of "Foundation Watchers" were convinced the organization was planning to take over the town. They called the media every time they believed something was amiss. It was commonly known they met to develop strategies to bring the organization down. Had they been willing to consider the positive contributions to the young people and the town, they might have been more accepting of the organization.
When a new provincial government came into power, policies changed and the emphasis shifted from a regional model to a community model. In 1993 the government gave the OWAF 30 days notice of termination of its Hedley contracts. Because all the properties were heavily mortgaged, they needed to be sold quickly, often at fire sale prices. In the end the Roberts had little left other than their home and the knowledge that the OWAF had made a positive difference in the lives of youths and workers.
The Foundation and its people are gone now. The buildings still stand though, and are in much better condition than if they had continued to be neglected. As a former worker of the OWAF, my wife and I are pleased that for the most part the present owners are benefiting from the organization's efforts, and are maintaining the buildings at a high standard.

2

Camp Colonial, One Way Foundation ca. 1978
20th Century, Circa 1978
Hedley, British Columbia

Credits:
Hedley Heritage Museum Society

3

Hedley Youth Adventure Club Parade
20th Century, Circa 1980
Hedley, British Columbia

Credits:
Hedley Heritage Musuem Society

4

Hedley Youth on Tailings Mound at the Similkameen River ca. 1980
20th Century, Circa 1980
Hydro-Electric Dam, Similkameen River, Hedley, British Columbia, Canada