$146,000 OTF Capital Grant Renovates Rural Community Hub

$146,000 OTF Capital Grant Renovates Rural Community Hub Barrie, ON – On Thursday August 7, local MPP Brian Saunderson met with the team at Camphill Communities Ontario to hear more about the $146,000 Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to repair, renovate and improve Novalis Hall, Camphill’s event centre and community hub. Through this project Camphill has increased access to day services for adults with developmental disabilities and event space for the general public, helping people build stronger connections and a deeper sense of belonging in their community.

“Camphill Communities Ontario provides vital support, education, and care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey. “This significant OTF grant has been put to excellent use, as the Camphill team was able to renovate and restore their exceptional rural community hub, ensuring it can continue to serve the community for decades to come.”

In addition to the exterior of Novalis Hall getting a facelift, all stage and theatre draperies were cleaned and treated, the interior walls painted, a new septic system was installed, the washrooms were updated and the wood floors were refinished. By improving Novalis Hall, this project has helped Camphill and the surrounding area to create an even more vibrant community.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for making these much-needed improvements to Novalis Hall possible,” said Larry Palmer, Executive Director at Camphill Communities Ontario. “With the exterior refreshed, the interior restored, and critical infrastructure like the septic system and washrooms upgraded, we’ve been able to breathe new life into a space that holds deep meaning for our community. Novalis Hall is more than just a building—it’s a place where people come together to share, celebrate, and connect. This project ensures it will continue to serve as a welcoming and vibrant hub for Camphill and the wider community for many years to come.”