Projects and Challenges

Our project, entitled “Inspired by Nature”, has as its goal the replacement of severely outdated dormitories and kitchen/dining hall at the OEC located near Oliphant, Ontario. To date, with the support from generous donors in Grey/Bruce and beyond, we have successfully completed the building of new dormitories, kitchen/dining hall, the Bruce Power classroom complex, and renewing the historic barn at the OEC.

Currently, our challenge is to raise funds to sustain the new building for the students of Grey/Bruce counties. We hope to accomplish this goal by establishing a substantial endowment fund. The endowment fund will generate monies that will be used to maintain this invaluable resource for generations to come. Ultimately this may encourage young families and help to address the serious issue of “outmigration of youth” which continues to be a great concern to our rural counties.

Losing our young people to the GTA and other urban centre’s in Southwest Ontario is a significant concern in our rural area. By fostering a positive and proud rural experience at the OEC, connecting these young people to the land, it is our hope that we can ameliorate this trend.

Partnering with The Bruce County Astronomical Society, a new observatory will be built on site in the summer of 2010 as part of our plan to further enhance the facilities and programs at the Centre. The funds are substanially in place to achieve this newest project.

Summary of current challenges:

• Establish an endowment fund in order to sustain the new facility at the OEC
• Continue to upgrade the older buildings on the site: the barn and house
• Partner with other organizations  to improve education within the two counties