Orillia, Ontario The governments of Ontario and Canada, partners in the combined infrastructure stimulus funding package broadcast in June of this year, had representatives announce financial support to New Path Foundation’s newest social enterprise program, the Common Roof, Orillia project.
December 15, 2009, Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and Barrie MPP the Hon. Aileen Carroll presented just over $2.5 Million to New Path Foundation president and CEO Glen Newby and the foundation’s board chair Wendy Fairley as an investment in this local project under Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
The Common Roof is a multi-tenant, community-based social enterprise centre that provides quality, affordable, sustainable, and professional work and program space for health and human service non-profit agencies.
More clients and their families have access to ‘one-stop shopping’ for services in fully accessible facilities located at a convenient location as resources are used more efficiently and increasingly diverted to direct services. Partner agencies have increased opportunities and incentives to work collaboratively through shared infrastructure, office space and services providing opportunities for increased tenant numbers while expanding employment prospects.
MP Bruce Stanton says, “This funding to New Path Foundation for renovations and upgrades to the proposed building and site will be completed by March 31, 2011 with the result that Orillia Common Roof clients will receive greater service while increasing the capacity to supply the important needs of our citizens. This project will strengthen our area’s economic advantage while boosting employment now and into the future.”
During the presentation Ms. Carroll, of the same opinion agreed and stated, “The Common Roof project in Orillia is a very smart idea.”
Strengthening the social programs within our community helps to empower its members. The Orillia Common Roof project offers numerous and varied opportunities providing all community members access to; services, diverse activities, work, and play within safe, accessible, professional, visible and affordable facilities.
Revitalizing the 169 Front Street South, Orillia property and renewing the existing building for the Common Roof Project will expand the land use capabilities, remediate a former industrial site and is close to the City’s core. This community-based project will offer stimulus to future development and job creation, a catalyst for expanded recreational activities and economic growth. It will furnish healing opportunities to troubled children and their families and will provide a clean new environment for this Community Service Centre.
Glen Newby President and CEO of New Path Foundation says, “We know it takes a whole community to raise a child and it also takes a whole community to raise a Common Roof. We are so pleased that both the Federal government and the Provincial government have come together and joined our community to raise the Orillia Common Roof, and provide enhanced community services for Orillia and area citizens.”
The Orillia Common Roof™ is being developed through leadership and community collaboration with individuals representing various local non-profit agencies and New Path Foundation plus the support and forward thinking of local governments, business representatives, City of Orillia Mayor and Council and staff members and now the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada.
To learn more about this social enterprise please visit, thecommonroof.ca.
Contact Information:
Laurie Herd, Coordinator
Orillia Common Roof
Tel: 705.259.7663 (ROOF)
lherd@thecommonroof.ca
Fax: 705.325.1612 (Attn. Laurie, Orillia Common Roof)
Neville Twine, VP New Path Foundation
Orillia Common Roof Project Leader
705-733-2654 x 229
ntwine@newpath.ca
