– On Saturday, local MPP Graydon Smith met with volunteers, staff and Board members of
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre (GNOAC) to hear from them about the difference being made at
the Centre thanks to the $113,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant it received from the provincial
government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation. The two-year long grant, awarded in the spring of 2023, is
helping GNOAC is building on its sustainability by hiring a Volunteer Manager who’s developing and setting
into motion a new volunteer strategy that’s helping to rebuild its capacity for delivering year-round
community events.
“Outdoor activity centres continue to be one of the best ways to enjoy time with family and friends,” said
Graydon Smith, MPP Parry Sound-Muskoka. “Facilities like Georgian Nordic rely heavily on volunteers and
those volunteers need to be trained and instructed properly. I’m pleased that our government has been able
to support Georgian Nordic with funding for a volunteer coordinator so that the work being done is efficient
and effective.”
Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre is a charitable organization run by a dedicated group of
volunteers. The organization is made up of outdoor enthusiasts who share a passion for exercise among
nature. They are both proud of and grateful for the support provided by a regular group of over 60
community volunteers.
The foundation of Georgian Nordic is built on its cross-country ski heritage, which dates back to the early
1980s. In more recent years, they have collaborated with Get Outdoors Parry Sound, a volunteer group
promoting cycling, hiking and other adventure sports in the area, to provide summer activities through the
development of Georgian Nordic’s ever-expanding network of mountain-bike trails.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun,
organizations like the Georgian Nordic Outdoor Activity Centre deliver experiences that make a difference,”
said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario
Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the
community for decades to come."
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build
healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044
community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster
more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together
and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.