Following a bustling summer season, new accessibility and gardening projects are officially taking shape.

As the autumn leaves turn vibrant across the grounds, the event tents at the Dyment Recreation Hall and Park have officially come down for the season. Looking back, it was a summer to remember—hundreds of neighbours, travelers, and families gathered under those canvas tops for outdoor barbecues, live performances, and community celebrations.

And while the summer rush has wound down, the energy around the park hasn’t slowed one bit.

With the area cleared, work is shifting directly into the ground. Crew members are preparing to pour concrete pads for an updated terrace and an expanded wheelchair ramp, ensuring the facilities remain easy to navigate for everyone. Nearby, site prep is underway for a brand-new garden shed that will serve as the hub for our expanding community garden and local food production space. The Cook Shack is also being renovated.

These updates are far more than simple construction projects—they represent a long-term investment in local health and food security. Working alongside non-profit organizations and academic partners, the expanded garden setup will support everything from hands-on recreational gardening to local food systems programming. It’s all about creating an inviting, useful space where folks can gather, learn, and grow fresh produce together.

We’re incredibly thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital grant program and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) for supporting these infrastructure enhancements and expansions. These investments will support enhanced recreation programming for years to come!

Even as the tools come out and the weather cools down, the doors remain wide open. The hall is open every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you’re driving through the area or just looking for a cozy spot to take a break, drop on in. The coffee pot is always brewing, and there’s always a warm seat waiting for you.