Press Release: Gainey Foundation funding sustainable building project

Bob Gainey and his daughter Anna, Executive Director of the Gainey Foundation, announce funding for the new Camp Kawartha Environment Centre

Bob Gainey and his daughter Anna, Executive Director of the Gainey Foundation, announce funding for the new Camp Kawartha Environment Centre.

Students in Fleming College’s Sustainable Building Design and Construction program will build a new environment centre for Camp Kawartha that will be funded by the Gainey Foundation.

The Camp announced on January 29 that – thanks to a $100,000 gift from the Gainey Foundation – one of Canada’s most sustainable buildings will be constructed to house the new Camp Kawartha Environment Centre; a groundbreaking environmental education and teacher training facility that will be hosted at Trent University.

“This project is a fitting opportunity for us to acknowledge the incredible support the Gainey Foundation has received in Peterborough and the surrounding area,” said Bob Gainey. “We are proud to be a part of this strong community partnership and to help realize a unique and exciting environmental centre that will benefit and inspire children, educate and train future teachers and serve as an example as to how we can all live more sustainably.”

Sustainable Building Program Coordinator Chris Magwood shows the model of the building

In December, Trent University’s Board of Governors approved a 21-year land lease, which secures the plan for a new “green” structure to be built on the university’s grounds.

The project will start in April 2009. Using innovative green architecture, the design will incorporate: reclaimed and recyclable building materials, an earth-bag foundation, straw bale walls, solar power, a rainwater collection system, and composting toilets.

The facility will serve not only as a place to offer relevant and curriculum-linked environmental programming, but the building itself will also provide rich educational opportunities for children, teachers, students in Trent’s School of Education and Professional Learning and the community at large.

“Children and adults alike need to bear witness to how we can all live more gently and responsibly in our communities. To see alternative energy in action, to be inspired by the natural world and to provide children with the hope for a greener future, is one of the most valuable tasks we can embark on,” said Camp Kawartha Executive Director Jacob Rodenburg.

Led by Program Coordinator Chris Magwood, this is the fifth year of the Sustainable Building program. It is a 20-week certificate program based at the Haliburton Campus.

Camp Kawartha still needs to raise an additional $80,000 to $100,000 for the project. They are launching a buy-a-bale program and are accepting donations for the project. For more information, visit: http://www.campkawartha.ca/