$117,200 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government transforms a 1940’s TTCWomen’s Quarters to Camp Endobanah’s Updated Main Lodge
Members of Kawartha Lakes Hockey, FNE Explorers, Camp Endobanah Board Members and volunteer parents and leaders. Centre are Matt Welland, President Camp Endobanah Inc. (Blue shirt/white hat); Paul Ritchi, Leader FNE and Lori Scott, MPP Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock (holding banner, centre) and Klara Oyler, Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer (middle row 2nd to right of banner)
On Saturday, MPP Laurie Scott was at Camp Endobanah to see the results of a $117,200 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that the non-profit group received last fall. The year-long grant was used to renovate and update the camp’s main lodge, which has been reconstituted from one of the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) temporary structures rebuilt at the camp in 1946 and now a permanent feature at Camp Endobanah.
“Funding provided to Camp Endobanah, by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, will provide improved accessibility allowing all campers to enjoy this wonderful facility,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “These improvements will enable the camp to offer activities to the community year-round, taking advantage of nature throughout the seasons.”
The funds were used to upgrade the camp’s main lodge and kitchen insulation, heating systems, LED lighting, windows and doors to provide better energy efficiency and more comfortable year-round use. Door hardware and washroom upgrades have improved accessibility and efficiency.
“The OTF grant allowed us to transform the focal point of the camp, the Main Lodge, to make it more accessible, energy efficient and comfortable,” said Matt Welland, President, Camp Endobanah. “A building that started its life as a TTC temporary women’s quarters at Yonge and Eglinton in Toronto, has had new life breathed in to it to support the local communities that operate their camps from Camp Endobanah.”
Camp Endobanah Inc. is a not-for-profit camp run entirely by volunteers. Since 1932, the camp has offered a rental space for youth and family groups to operate their camp programs.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like Camp Endobanah deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come."
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
