Helping hands needed to bring back historic hall

The possibility of resurrecting the historic Ravenscliffe Community Centre in the near future is not so far-fetched, according to Rick Keevil.

The longtime resident of Ravenscliffe Road, who is also the president of the Ravenscliffe Community Centre Association, continues to have high hopes for the building and the property which it is situated on. He’s been actively working on raising funds and has spearheaded much of the effort to bring the hall back to life.

Back in June, a yard sale was held and close to $1,800 was raised. Recently, volunteers raised $1,500 through a charity barbecue at Robinson’s Independent Grocer.

But according to Keevil, more willing and helping hands are needed to help get the work on the building done, including a new roof as the ridge cap is leaking, a new ceiling and insulation as well as windows.

A furnace has been donated that needs to be hooked up and the interior walls need to be painted. And while there’s “quite a list” of other things that need to be repaired, none of it is unobtainable.

“There seems to be an interest but we need more volunteers,” he said. “Some people have said the building isn’t worth it because it has structural problems, but that’s not the case. That’s why I hired an engineer. It’s in good shape.”

Keevil indicated that volunteers are being sought out to write grant applications and to help raise funds. The board is also in need of new members, as the number has been drastically reduced from 10 people to just a few.

A solid board of directors and more people volunteering to help raise funds could assist in bringing back the Ravenscliffe Community Centre sooner than later.

For one thing, the property is ideal. It would be a beautiful spot for a playground and it would be nice to have someone look into that. We still want an addition on the building for wheelchair accessible washrooms and a stage for concerts or plays. I think it has a lot of potential.

The foundation of the community centre, which was originally a schoolhouse almost a century ago, has been deemed solid by an engineer. Years ago, the hall was a popular venue for special events and it has been Keevil’s dream to make it a happening spot for the community.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board maintains ownership of the building for community use and that is a saving grace because it can’t be sold to anyone privately.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a board member or would like to make a donation to help bring back the Ravenscliffe Community Centre can call Rick Keevil at 705-783-9499.

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