In a move that blends practicality with community spirit, the Village of North Portal has officially relocated its office to a new home, the village’s recently acquired church building. Gifted to the village this past April, the church offers a unique blend of charm and functionality, making it an ideal location for both administrative and community use.
“We acquired the church in April, and it just made sense to move the office there,” said Mayor Amy Armstrong of North Portal. “It has three side rooms, and our previous office needed renovations. This way, someone is present in all the village buildings, helping oversee them.”
The new space isn’t just for paperwork. The main area of the church is now available for rent, making it a versatile venue for weddings, meetings, and community events. Two additional side rooms are also open for services like hairdressing or massage therapy, offering opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Starting September 17, the village will launch a weekly Coffee Morning every Wednesday, featuring fresh local baking and a chance for neighbors to connect. “It’s really about creating that small-town sense of community,” Armstrong added.
Though the move is still fresh, the first official meeting in the new space was held just last week, and excitement is building. The village hopes the new hub will attract not only locals but also neighbors from across the border in Portal, North Dakota.
And the revitalization doesn’t stop there. Construction has begun on a new park shelter, set to be completed by fall. “It’s an open gazebo-style shelter,” said Armstrong. “We’ve been fundraising for a while, and the cement pad was poured today. It’ll be perfect for our annual Party in the Park in June.”
With new spaces, fresh events, and a growing sense of community, North Portal is proving that even small villages can make big moves.