The Ryde Community Co-op Inc. is in need of a heating conversion to replace the existing baseboard heaters to a more efficient propane boiler system with hot water radiators, so all participants can enjoy a welcoming warm environment during the colder months. The proposed heating system upgrade will empower the community centre to upgrade its inadequate heating system to keep its participants warm and help the registered charity lower its monthly hydro bills.
For 25 years, the Ryde Co-op has operated out of a former two room school building that was built in 1962 as an elementary school and still relies on the original dated and failing baseboard heaters as the main source of heat, with some rooms having no heat source. Constructed of a slab on grade foundation with cinder block walls, it is very difficult to keep heated at a constant temperature and very expensive.
The Ryde Co-op Board of Directors have been in consultation with multiple certified trades: HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanical Engineers, to develop a plan to upgrade the facilities dated and failing electric baseboard heating with a proper, more efficient, propane water heating system. By making updates to the heating system and how heat is retained, the building will feel warmer. This will allow program participants to continue to enjoy being physically and socially active with others in a comfortable building during programs in the colder months.
Participants in our programs, particularly the seniors, are less likely to attend programs due to feeling cold. This puts them at increased risk of isolation in our rural area. Making these improvements to the community centre will increase the number of people who are warm and enjoy their time at programs and events, resulting in increased participation during the winter.
The Ryde Co-op is a registered charity, 100% owned by its members and run by its volunteers to provide free or low cost essential social, wellness and educational programs and services that benefit and serve the needs of all ages of the rural community. The Ryde Co-op building is the heart of the community providing a compassionate environment that makes people feel connected and empowered with social interaction; fitness opportunities and a welcoming, fully accessible, safe, community gathering building that’s close to home.
Over 75 volunteers stepped up in 2024 to facilitate 415 programs, to address the needs of Ryde including:
-Creative and Educational Workshops, Music Jams, Community Meals, Senior’s Fair, Christmas Market, etc.
-Five Fitness Sessions Per Week - Line Dancing, Nia Dance, Pilates, Yoga & Pole Walking.
-Guest speakers, voting location, tax return assistance and fraud prevention presentations and much more
Our service to the rural community is recognized and supported by municipal and district governments. Most recently the Ryde Co-op was designated a Seniors Active Living Centre.
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Supporting this fully. Long winters require warm spaces!
This is a must! Let’s get it done in time for winter events.
All in favour!
Anything that helps people feel welcome and comfortable is worth supporting.
Great idea. Better heating equals better turnout.
I sincerely hope this gets approved. The centre deserves better heating and this will make it so much more enjoyable!