Following a multi-year fundraising campaign, Camp Kawartha formally opened its new Rotary Health Centre on Saturday, October 2nd to the delight of the many donors who attended.
One of the most environmentally responsible buildings in Canada, the 2,070 square foot building is a straw bale construction that features net zero utility costs, zero toxins, zero fossil fuel use, zero waste output, and a zero-carbon footprint. Designed by Straworks www.straworks.ca, a company specializing in sustainable construction, the Rotary Health Centre showcases the use of natural building materials – the majority of them local – as well as elements such as a living roof, energy efficient radiant heat and super insulated walls that sequester carbon.
Named in recognition of the Rotary Club of Peterborough, the Rotary Health Centre represents an ongoing partnership between Camp Kawartha and the Club, both of whom are celebrating their centennials this year. The Rotary Club of Peterborough is the primary financial sponsor of the Centre. Building on that sponsorship, a fundraising campaign led in 2020 and 2021 by David Goyette has now raised more than $470,000!
Rotary President Wayne Harding took the time to recognize those Rotarians who established Camp Kawartha as a Club project back in 1921. Said Harding, “We are proud of our long-standing relationship with Camp Kawartha, and we are honoured to have our name associated with this outstanding project. This building makes all of us leaders in the drive to reduce carbon emissions and sets Camp Kawartha apart as a trailblazer in environmentally sustainable construction.”
Camp Kawartha Board Chair, Myke Healy noted the many state-of-the-art ecological features of the building, adding “We are here today to marvel at this extraordinary building. The Board of Directors is thankful to the many individuals, organizations, foundations, and businesses who supported the vision of this exciting and unique project. This building is a testament to human ingenuity and Camp Kawartha’s mission. Not only is it a beautiful and fully functional health centre, it is a building that inspires camp visitors and teaches about the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability.”
The Rotary Health Centre will provide educational opportunities for students, builders, architects, and campers to learn about carbon-neutral design, carbon sequestration, alternative energy generation, natural building materials, product life cycles, and green-waste management systems. To find out more about these unique sustainable features, check out our Centre Features Brochure.
If you are interested in having a tour of the building you can email us at info@campkawartha.ca to find out the next tour date.
