The District Municipality of Muskoka’s Community and Planning Services Committee heard a major proposal this week from The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation, which is seeking financial support to expand its services through a new community hub in Huntsville.
Board President Brian Rasmussen and The Table Founder and Executive Director Heather Cassie presented plans for The Table Plaza, a multi-purpose support centre proposed for the former FreshCo location at 12 Cann Street. The redevelopment would significantly expand the foundation’s existing programs and introduce new services aimed at strengthening housing stability and community well-being across Muskoka.
The Table, a non-denominational Christian charity which has operated in the region since 2006, currently provides a wide range of free supports including a soup kitchen, food bank, food rescue program, men’s hostel, counselling and connection programs, a community kitchen, thrift store, and food bank garden. But Cassie said demand has reached a crisis point.
“Our facility is currently full, and we have over 30 people on the waiting list,” she told the committee. “We are turning people down every day. We need more space, and some individuals are being sent to other municipalities because we simply cannot accommodate them.”
The proposed Table Plaza would expand the existing Exchange Store, food bank, food rescue and Love Connection programs, while adding several new community features including an art gallery and creative hub, a grocery emporium, café, hydroponic garden, and a dedicated Warming and Cooling Centre.
To operate the new centre, the foundation is asking the District to provide $80 per person per night for the Warming & Cooling Centre. The funding would cover beds, showers, laundry, staff support, pet kennels when needed, three daily meals, training and volunteer opportunities, and access to The Table Work Crew. The foundation is also seeking a one-time $1.2 million contribution, either in cash or through secured grants, to help fund renovations, staffing, and early operations at the new site.
Suzanne Olimer, the Commissioner of Finance and Corporate Services for the District, recommended District staff work directly with the foundation to clarify needs and explore the scope of a potential partnership. Several committee members pointed to the rapidly increasing costs of emergency motel placements, suggesting expanded shelter capacity could help reduce pressures on the District. Chair Jeff Lehman noted the exponential increase in motel stays over the past three years.
While the proposal received broad support, some councillors expressed concern about the scale of the financial request. “This sounds like something that a city might look at, and it’s going to need some serious funding,” said Councillor Terry Glover. “I fully support the project, but I have some concerns.”
Discussions between District staff and the foundation will continue in the coming weeks.
Related
The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation asks the Town of Huntsville for its support
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All the added programs shouldn’t be considered until the original plan of a mens shelter is fully addressed. As stated they are turning away many homeless men.
In the above there is no mention of The Table bringing their financial records to the meeting, especially the payroll records. Did they bring them this time?