CNIB Lake Joe makes transformational change thanks to a 2019 grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation

The lounge – our social gathering hotspot – with new sound panels installed on the ceiling. Muskoka, ON – After receiving a $147,600 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation in 2019, CNIB was able to make an incredible transformation to its waterfront facility, CNIB Lake Joe. Thanks to this extraordinary grant, the space received key upgrades that will ensure it’s inclusive for everyone. Last winter, a new sound-absorbing wood ceiling was installed in the lounge, and the dining hall ceiling was lowered to help improve the acoustics. 

“CNIB’s facility on Lake Joe is a special place for many and the work they do there is a credit to the riding of Parry Sound-Muskoka. I am happy to see this grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation being used to make the local facility more inclusive and more barrier free,” said Norman Miller, MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka.   

Anyone who has been to CNIB Lake Joe knows that the dining hall and lounge are the heart and soul of the camp experience. It’s a place where people gather for meals, connect with old friends, enjoy music, and so much more. While it can be an amazing place to enjoy the weekly talent show, or simply a meal, the rising noise level can present a challenge – especially for campers with hearing loss, sensory sensitivities, or anyone with sight loss who relies on their hearing to navigate and communicate.  

“The dining hall and lounge has always been a space where our guests can connect with the community. Whether it’s enjoying a meal with old friends or playing games with new ones, there’s never a time where it’s empty,” says Eugene Chong, General Manager of CNIB Lake Joe. “This has meant that it's challenging for many our guests to fully enjoy the space, as the sound levels can reach extremely high levels. We’re truly grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the CNIB Lake Joe community for helping us ensure that everyone can enjoy the space without barriers.”  

Now, thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the next time people are able to gather at camp, they’ll be welcomed back to the newly renovated space – one that everyone can enjoy, free of barriers.

- 30 - 

About CNIB: CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca. 

For more information, please contact: 

CNIB: 

Alison Byczok, Director, Marketing and Communications 

alison.byczok@cnib.ca  

416-272-0464

More News

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on strike this morning, Friday, November 15. CNIB is working to minimize the impact the strike will have on Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or who have low vision, particularly as it relates to the delivery of alternative-format materials provided through our partners at CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access).
At CNIB, we believe that everyone should be able to depend on public transit to get to where they need to go, when they need to go – from the first kilometre to the last kilometre. Join us in championing safer, more accessible journeys. Because everyone should be able to rely on public transit to travel door-to-door, safely and independently. Watch our Public Service Announcement and visit cnib.ca/transit to learn more.
The federal government recently launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed Canada Disability Benefit Regulations (hereafter “the Regulations”) which, once approved by the Government of Canada, will set out technical details for the design and implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). CNIB submitted feedback to the consultation, informed by an engagement survey distributed to our community members asking for their perspectives on key aspects of the Regulations. Our final submission brief made 14 recommendations to the Government and touched on topics including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, program administration, employment supports, and more.
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for Connecting the Dots 2024, Canada's largest conference focused on education, technology, and employment for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. This year, we're bringing the event to four dynamic cities across Canada, and we can't wait for you to join us!
The Canada Disability Benefit Act became law in 2023 and seeks to create a new federal benefit program that will strengthen the financial security and independence of Canadians with disabilities from coast to coast to coast. Now, the Government of Canada is seeking feedback from the disability community on its proposed Canada Disability Benefit Regulations, which will set out the design and technical details of the program, scheduled to launch in July 2025. CNIB is seeking the perspectives of our community members to inform our submission to the Government’s consultation, and we’re asking you to get involved by completing our survey.
Read more news