Easter Seals Camp Horizon Celebrates Completion of New Roof

September 12, 2011

Calgary, Alberta – On Monday, September 12, 2011, the Honourable Ted Menzies, Member of Parliament for Macleod and Minister of State (Finance) joined campers, volunteers and staff of Easter Seals Camp Horizon to celebrate the completion of the new metal, FireSmart roof and repairs to the original log trusses on the iconic Main Hall building.  Main Hall is the central log facility originally built by the volunteers of the Kinsmen Club of Calgary and many other clubs in 1965 to house people with disabilities and special needs at Easter Seals Camp Horizon.

The building, which originally housed dorm rooms in addition to the central dining hall and kitchen, has evolved to be the main indoor space available for activities and recreation for campers of all ages with disabilities and special needs.  The critical renovation was not without its surprises - from finding 4 layers of shingles to discovering long forgotten ducts and reinforcing original timbers, the roof and supporting structures are now ready for another 45 years of fireside chats, highly anticipated dances and hearty meals for people of all ages with disabilities, special needs and serious illnesses.

“We are so pleased to see this investment into upgrading our facilities.  Over 1,000 people of all ages with disabilities and special needs come to Easter Seals Camp Horizon every year and it’s important we keep our buildings well maintained,” says Anna Garcia, Director, Operations for Easter Seals Camp Horizon.  “Easter Seals Camp Horizon is the only camp of its kind in southern Alberta and our annual ostomy camp is the only camp for kids in Canada.”

“Our Government, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, is proud to have supported this project to help ensure Easter Seals Camp Horizon remains a leading outdoor recreation facility for individuals of all abilities and can continue providing high-quality services for years to come,” said Menzies.

Funds for the repairs and replacement of the 45-year-old cedar shingle roof was funded by an investment from the Government of Canada’s Community Adjustment Fund in addition to support from the Kinsmen Club of Calgary and proceeds from the Alberta Gaming Fund.