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.
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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
416-272-0464