After 25 years of service to the National Historic Site of Fort 91原创, the Friends of the Fort have disbanded.

The role of the volunteer group has been an important one. It has included running the Fort gift shop, managing the historic costumes for more than 100 re-enactors and volunteers, taking part in events like Brigade Days as well as fundraising to build the bastion and bateau.

鈥淚 can say that Parks Canada is truly grateful for the many contributions the Friends of the Fort have made to Fort 91原创 National Historic Site as we worked collaboratively over the past 25 years,鈥� said Fort spokesperson Nancy Hildebrand. 鈥淭he group鈥檚 dedicated volunteers have enriched the experience of every visitor and established a legacy that will be felt for many years to come. The volunteers raised funds to build the bateau on site, and supported many special events such as the Candlelight Tour and Brigade Days over the years.鈥�

She said that Parks Canada was saddened to hear the group was dissolving.

Founding Friends member Bays Blackhall said the volunteer group has provided the Fort with a lot of things and should be acknowledged properly for all they have contributed.

While there was some thought that there were some issues between unionized Parks Canada employees and volunteers from the Friends group that caused the Friends to dissolve, site manager John Aldag said that isn鈥檛 true.

He said they鈥檝e always had a great relationship with the Friends who enhanced everything happening at the Fort.

However, his staff will now be stepping in to take over some of the roles formerly filled by the Friends.

鈥淪imply because we can鈥檛 let these functions disappear,鈥� said Aldag. 鈥淲e remain open and hopeful that another Friends organization might form at some point in the future.鈥�

In the meantime, changes are afoot at the Fort, said Aldag.

The National Historic Site and the Kwantlen Nation are in discussions to have the Kwantlen Nation take over the operation of the gift shop early in the new calendar year, said Aldag.

He credits their fundraising work and said a campaign will begin soon to build a fully accessible and historically themed playground for outside the new palisade walls.

As part of the Federal government鈥檚 Economic Action Plan, the Fort site was given $3.2 million, to share with the historic Cannery in Steveston.

With that money, the Fort is currently replacing the palisade walls, installing exterior lighting for evening events, paved pathways for accessibility, renovated the visitor centre, re-roofed a few buildings and remove the led paint from the Big House. In May, they hope to unveil the new exhibits that will be showcased throughout the site.

In order to receive the full funding, all works have to be complete by March 31, 2011, said Hildebrand.