Submitted by the Haliburton County Youth Hub
Published Feb. 19 2019
The tragic and untimely death of Peter Fearrey brought renovation and construction work at the Hali County Youth Hub to a virtual stand-still.
“Peter was very committed to working on the youth hub and making sure the youth voice was heard throughout the project” says Stephanie MacLaren VP community programs at Haliburton Highlands Health Services. “Anyone who knew him will agree that Peter was a genuinely caring person who always went out of his way to help anyone who needed help. Peter’s legacy will live on in all of the lives he touched along the way; he will always be a part of us and the Hali Youth Hub.” Peter Fearrey worked for HHHS for many years one of the youth hub’s principal partner organizations along with Point in Time.
Renovations are now once again moving forward as two local construction contractors have agreed to collaborate to project manage the extensive renovations and re-construction of the lower level complete the renovations on the main level and coordinate the myriad of other trades needed to complete the project.
“Local tradespeople businesses and residents are being extremely generous with their time and contributions helping to make Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario’s Hali County Youth Hub a reality. It’s real evidence of how valued youth are as members of our community and how the community recognizes the future that they hold” says Marg Cox executive director at Point in Time.
“For example Kieran Gillooly of Kegel Heating & Cooling donated all his time and labour to the Youth Hub to install a new central heat pump system. That is an especially generous example of the support we’ve been receiving” she said.
A new and improved kitchen design has been completed addressing accessibility requirements and integrating public health conditions. Trevor Chaulk of Chaulk Design Studio worked hard to meet the changed requirements within budget constraints and will help provide what’ll be a great space for gathering and meal prep. The drawings have been submitted for approvals and building permits are in the works.
Meetings have been taking place with an accessibility expert who is working on a new design that will bring everyone in through the front door (a new ramp will be built to code from the parking lot) and a wheelchair lift installed to access the main floor and lower level.
Drawings are being completed for a totally renovated lower level space to accommodate a family room quiet space for homework primary care counselling and office spaces.
From a capital budget perspective there is much to be done. As per the funding agreements the majority of the three-year funding received from Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario and the Haliburton County Development Corporation will go towards operating and staffing expenses to provide a broad range of services and supports delivered in an integrated fashion. While $85000 has been earmarked in Year One for renovations and capital expenses in addition to the $150000 estimated capital costs there will be $130000 in additional accessibility costs.
“Fundraising efforts are continuing on multiple levels including donations that can be made through the Gift Registry at www.pointintime.ca/gift-registry” says Cox “and although some programming is taking place at the Hub now our aim is to be open and fully operational by the end of April.”
