$18,000 OTF Grant Keeps Harmony Centre Up and Running

October 7, 2022

OWEN SOUND – On Friday, MPP Rick Byers met and toured the facility with the team at the Harmony Centre to hear directly from them about the difference that a $18,000 Community Building Fund from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) has had since receiving it in 2021. The grant was designed to help non-profit organizations with key operational costs and for the Harmony Centre it did that and also enabled it to improve internet access for staff, volunteers and people using the space.

“It was great to see directly how the Harmony Centre has used the Community Building Fund from the Ontario Trillium Fund. Congratulations to the Harmony Centre team for your great work the important ongoing role you play in the community.” Rick Byers, MPP Bruce Grey Owen Sound.

Funds from the grant were used to obtain better internet equipment and services, including Ethernet hard-wiring in 14 different spots onsite where stone walls made WiFi impossible to access. The project was completed March and it’s long-term impact will be giving people in the community improved access to programs and events at the Centre.

In addition to the new and improved internet equipment and services, funds were used to offset increased cleaning costs associated with the pandemic, allowing the Harmony Centre to stay open. The Harmony Centre is used by a variety of community organizations for office space, meetings, celebrations and fundraisers and thanks to the Community Building Fund grant, they have been able to continue services remotely, as well as in-person.

“The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Sandy Stevenson, Acting Chair of the Harmony Centre. “This grant has allowed needed renovations to be made.  The Harmony Centre and its users are now able to serve our community remotely as well as in person which is a boon to our wide-spread community.”

The Harmony Centre is committed to preserving this space and ensuring that it remains a hub for many community activities over the course of the year. If you wish to enquire about using the space for your meeting or hosting an event, please visit the website at www.harmonycentreos.ca.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Since 2020, OTF has supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.