Ontario Improving Accessibility at Harwood Community Hall
Ensuring community spaces are accessible to everyone, thanks to a $35,000 Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Breaking down barriers across Northumberland–Peterborough South so everyone has access to important community spaces.
On Saturday, MPP David Piccini joined Jay Chatten and members of the Harwood community to celebrate a $35,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Awarded In 2024, this funding supported essential upgrades to the facility’s main entrance, improving accessibility, and ensuring the space can continue to serve residents for years to come.
“Our government is making targeted investments that help remove barriers to accessibility,” said
David Piccini, Member of Provincial Parliament, Northumberland-Peterborough South.
“Improvements like these strengthen local facilities and ensure that all residents can participate
in the programs and activities that make our community thrive”
The project included the renovation of the Club’s primary entrance, featuring a new concrete
ramp, safety railing, and automatic door opener. These upgrades ensure that more community
members can safely and comfortably use the facility. The Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) sets out the process for developing and enforcing accessibility
standards that public, private and not-for-profit organizations must follow.
The goal of the
standards is to identify, prevent and remove barriers for people with disabilities in all areas of
daily life.
“This capital project literally opens a new door for us in so many ways,” said Jay Chatten,
Chairperson, Harwood Memorial Park and Recreation Club.
“Being the focal point of this community, we can now include everyone to join us for all of our events.”
Harwood Memorial Park and Recreation Club was established in 1925 with a land transfer gift to
the people of Harwood.
Twenty-five years later the community built the existing structure, and it has serviced the community ever since. Today, the hall serves to provide daily daycare, weekly yoga, dance classes and girl scout meetings, along with monthly community breakfasts.
The “Hall” is self funded relying on their many volunteers and financial grants.
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 nearly $105M into 732 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.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love