Federal grant helps fund efficiency reno at Tall Small Hall
Singhampton gets hit with some pretty big storms but nothing can dampen the hospitality of the area’s residents, as demonstrated by an epic community effort to feed and shelter up to 100 stranded travellers in late February 2019.
That severe storm precipitated a recent makeover for Singhampton Community Centre – affectionately called the tall small hall because it is close to the highest point in southern Ontario – home of the famous Ramp Romp.
Back in 2019, the draughty hall was opened to anyone who needed to take refuge from those snowy roads, made warm and comfortable by the steaming food and pleasant company.
Hall board member Peggy Hutchison said that event inspired hall volunteers to think about making the hall more efficient – winterizing it and sealing up some of the draughts.
The hall was built in 1892 as a Methodist Church and, until March when the renovation work was complete, daylight could be seen through the old doors.
The hall board applied for a grant in April 2021 with the help of Carla Hanisch, a local chef and farmer, and Brad Bremner who moved out west mid-application after dedicating many years and man-hours to the hall.
The community owned and operated hall was allocated funds from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario via the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of building new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets; bringing people back to public spaces safely as health measures ease; and creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
The grant covered 75 per cent of the total $22,000 project which included insulating and ventilating ceilings, new doors and windows, panic bars and locks.
The community celebrated the completion of the renovation project with a barbecue and silent auction on August 13, attended by more than 100 people who visited with friends and neighbours.
“We draw a radius,” said Hutchison, noting they come from both sides of the road – Simcoe and Grey counties. “People who come from about 20 kilometres consider that to be their centre.”
Hall volunteers continue to raise funds for a growing wish-list of further improvements including paint, new flooring and siding.
To contribute to the hall, contact singhamptonhall@gmail.com.
During the Small Halls Festival Singhampton Community Centre will present a rug hooking class on Sept. 30, a musical performance by Lance Dobinson on Oct. 13, a whiskey tasting on Oct. 14, and will be part of the Back Roads Rally on Oct. 15. For tickets and info, visit www.smallhallsfestival.ca.
Contributed photo: Joan Monahan on the front steps of Singhampton Community Centre. Behind her is one of the new, custom made doors with new panic bars, locks, and stops. The famous wild leek celebrated at Ramp Romp in early May stands beside the doorway. The leek, pork and pie supper originally raised funds to build a Singhampton Fire Hall, but now raises funds to operate the hall.
