County council has heard of plans to build a new home for the Guelph Nature Centre.
Sara Wilbur, of the Grand River Conservation Foundation was a delegation at county council on Jan. 26 and explained the nature centre has served over 400,000 students over the years, but it is simply too small to continue operating that way.
Wilbur said the centre on Conservation Drive at the northeast end of Guelph hosts 21,000 to 23,000 student participants each year who are learning about the outdoors.
The current building began as a single family home, and its classrooms and offices are being delivered from long ago bedrooms and kitchens.
She explained the desire for a new facility stems from being “overcrowded.”
Wilbur said, “We know that we can fill the facility … The demand is very high.”
The new building, land purchase and architectural fees will cost $2.3 million (plans are being done by Ventin Group).
It will be 9,400 square feet and provide “a window on the watershed.”
Wilbur said the foundation is trying to raise all the money and will not start construction on the building until at least 75 per cent of the money is raised.
The construction of the building, which includes a welcome area, administration facilities and storage, will cost $450,000, and it will take another $50,000 to furnish it.
Wilbur said the outdoor classes attract much interest and some of them will also be offered in French.
She added the local Rotary Club is interested in a partnership and the Grand River Conservation Foundation is looking for sponsors and other partnerships.
Wilbur added, “Some donors are not interested in conservation education, but they are interested in youth and mental health issues.”
County councillors had no questions of Wilbur, who had come to the meeting simply to keep the county aware of what the foundation is planning.
Warden Chris White told her, “Good luck with your fundraising.”
