KAWARTHA LAKES-The Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce announced that the community has reached its goal to raise $1 million for the new Summit Wellness Centre. A very generous donation of more than $200,000 recently made by the Hann Family has helped the community surpass its target!
Given the current pandemic restrictions, a community celebration will follow later this year.
In less than one year, residents of Kawartha Lakes have made it clear that the Summit Wellness Centre is needed and that they are willing to take action to make sure it happens. To date, more than 1000 donors have come together – through the Jump In The Lake Challenge, Spike It Up to Light It Up, and families wanting to help with a single or multiple donations – to raise the first million dollars, signaling to all 3 levels of government that they are serious about addressing the health care gaps in the area.
“This is an incredible accomplishment to be celebrated. It proves what we have always known – these small communities are capable of great things when they come together. It is that resiliency and sense of purpose that shines when faced with a challenge like addressing the gap in health care here,” says Ian Forster, Chairperson of the Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re not there yet though. This is an $11 million project. Donations are still very much needed and we will continue to work with governments to gain their commitments also.”
Applications for funding have been submitted to all levels of government, and the municipality is enthusiastically supporting the project.
“Given the demands on the current health care system and the demonstrated support of the community, it is more important than ever for the provincial and federal governments to be a part of this important community project,” says Mayor Andy Letham. “In these very challenging times, there is a vital need for access to health care in our communities. The Summit Wellness Centre will have a significant impact on the health of the people of Kawartha Lakes for years to come.”
The new Wellness Centre will be a hub for community health and community space for the under-served northern areas of Kawartha Lakes. By renovating and expanding the historic Train Station building in Coboconk, the Centre will offer more doctors and after-hours care, along with dental, physiotherapy, and many more services, while preserving an important piece of the area’s history.
