Ontario Council Camp Property Decisions
November 2009
Girl Guides of Canada-Guides du Canada and the Ontario
Council firmly believe that camping is a valuable tool
for
delivering the Guiding program and providing a unique experience
for girls. As promised in March 2009, the
second phase of decisions regarding camp property viability
in Ontario has been completed.
Prior to the release of this general message, each local
property community had the decision specific to their
property discussed with them. On behalf of Ontario Council
I want to thank each of the members of those camp
communities who have dedicated countless hours to the oversight
of the properties. Please take great pride in the
opportunities you have been able to offer the girls. This
dedication has been the mainstay of the camp operations.
Each year, the local property communities strategize on
how to bring more girls into the facilities but the reality
is
that with the current membership base it is not possible
to meet capacity. This is not reflective of their work
or
commitment to succeed; it is the result of the membership
demographics in Ontario. Based on 2009 census
(28,930 girl Members), we currently have one camp property
for every 876 girls registered. In comparison, if using
1999 census, this would equal one camp property for every
2,614 girls registered.
In 2008, the actual deficit of operating camp properties
across Ontario totaled $1,376,652. Most camp properties
have been operating in a deficit position for many years
and have struggled to change that picture. This shows us
that it is not financially prudent to continue to operate
in this manner. As long as we continue to cover the losses
of
the camp properties, we must consider discontinuing other
services and supports to the Members.
Therefore the following decisions have been made:
The following 17 camps have been identified as
having the most potential to become viable and will be retained pending the results of ongoing annual reviews:
1. Adelaide
5. Carruthers Point
9. Kienuka
13. Tekahionwake
17. Wyoka
|
2. Ademac
6. Conestogo
10. Ma Kee Wa
14. Tewateno
|
3. Bonita Glen
7. Doe Lake
11. Orenda
15. TRHAC
|
4. Bryerswood
8. Kah Ne
Do
12. Pipers Hill
16. Woolsey |
The following 16 camp properties
will cease to operate as of December 31, 2009 and will
be moved towards
disposition:
1. Aneesh
5. Corwhin
9. Klahanie
13. Peco Dah Quah |
2. Ashwene
6. Dahinda
10. Milles Roche
14. Pineridge
|
3. Butler Lake
7. Keewaydin
11. Pax Glen
15. Polly Lake
|
4. Caritou
8.
Kiawa
12. PeaUKoUTikiTi Win
16. Waupoos |
Ontario Council knows that there will be people who will
grieve the loss of their camp home. The ‘heart’ that
has
gone into the management of the camps is extraordinary,
the memories created and lifelong friendships developed
immeasurable. I encourage you to reach out to friends associated
to the camp and share some memories of your
time together and celebrate the fun you shared. The property
may no longer be your camp home but the people
and memories will always exist.
Ontario Council truly values the commitment our Members
have to camping, and thank you, the girls, parents and
other volunteers for supporting our camps. With your support,
wonderful camping experiences will continue to be
offered at the 17 Ontario camps remaining open.
Thank you for your patience during this challenging process.
Sincerely,
Marnie Cumming, Provincial Commissioner
 |
Updates as of December 24, 2009 |
|
