Revamped and Ready

Friday, 18 October 2013 16:39

Norwich Deputy Mayor Susan Hampson and Committee Co-Chair Wayne Buchanan welcome the public to the Pioneer Rooms Saturday 1-4PM

Trillium Grant, community effort gives new life to Oxford Centre's Pioneer Rooms

Oxford Centre is ready to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Pioneer Rooms.

Over two years of work, fundraising and a large Trillium Grant, the community facility is now ready to show off.

The facility has been a previous school, township office, library and seniors centre.

Now, Norwich Deputy Mayor Susan Hampson says it's used for Optimist and 4-H meetings, and general use. "It is rented out mostly for Christmas parties, baby showers, wedding showers, you know smaller family events that the big hall in Oxford Centre is just too big. This building is very warm and comfortable and it's like a home setting, so I think that's its appeal."

Over $30,000 has been put into bringing the facility up to date. New floors have been installed, new windows, bathroom fixtures and paint.

But the biggest improvement, according to Hampson is that it's now full accessible. "With these improvements, through the Trillium Grant, not just people that have accessibility issues, or mobility issues, but for moms with babies and strollers and things like that too, it's going to be a really great asset to the community."

Committee Co-Chair Wayne Buchanan says several local groups including the Optimists and neighbouring Oxford Centre Volunteer Fire Department put money towards the project, and some in the community even put in some sweat equity. "They rolled up their sleeves and got to work cleaning and painting and actually put physical effort into the restoration as well, so I think it's been a really great community building effort."

A celebration and ribbon cutting will take place from 1-4PM tomorrow. A number of area residents who have been a part of the building's history are coming back for the event.

A phase 2 of the restoration will look to spruce up the exterior of the building with some painting and repairs to the old belfry (in photo below). Hampson hopes the work will be done in the spring, in time for Canada Day celebrations next year, which will be hosted in Oxford Centre.