This document outlines the agenda and history of the rural community of Opasatika, which has seen its population decline from 800 to 226 as local employers closed. It discusses how the vacant primary school was converted into a community hub through a collaborative process. Community meetings were held to gather input and establish priorities. An action plan was developed and funding was secured for renovations to create affordable housing, a seniors space, and a gym. A coordinator was hired and activities increased engagement. The key to success was finding a local champion, engaging the community, and having a strategic roadmap.

2. AGENDA
• Community History
• Community Today
• Primary School
• Explored Avenues
• Our path towards the creation of a Community Hub
• Achievements
• Key to success

3. COMMUNITY HISTORY
• Population: 800
• Location: Rural community – 30 minutes from Kapuskasing – Along
Highway 11
• Employment
• Lowther Military Base – 50 Employees
• Excel Sawmill – 70 Employees
• Hyundai Vehicle Cold weather test – 25 employees
• Mushroom Farm - 20
• Primary School
• General Store
• Gas station

4. COMMUNITY TODAY
Population: 226
• Hyundai Cold Weather test: CLOSED
• Excel Saw Mill: CLOSED
• Lowther Military Base: CLOSED
• Mushroom Farm: CLOSED
• General Store: CLOSED
• Primary School: CLOSED

5. PRIMARY SCHOOL
• In 2014 the school owned by the schoolboard was forced to close.
• The municipality engaged CDSSAB to determine possible development options.
• The school board accepted the offer of the CDSSAB to purchase the property
($100,000 to the CDSSAB as contingency costs for development or demolition of the
property.)
• The partnership between the municipality, the school board, and the CDSSAB
represented the first public land affordable housing partnership in Northeastern
Ontario and can serve as a model to be emulated in other municipalities.

6. EXPLORED AVENUES
Signed a Letter of Engagement between Municipality and project owner
• Develop Cash Flow Summary
• Provide Financing if needed
• Design and build
Results of Cash Flow Summary
• New Construction of Facility would include 15 units
• Total estimated cost of project $2,700,000
• Available Financing @ 3.88% over 35 years

7. COMMUNITY MEETING
Purpose of the meeting
• Explain our project
• Provide incite
• Gage community demand for affordable units
Results:
• It was determined that the demand for 15 affordable housing units was inexistent
• It was clear that the residents didn’t want to see the school demolished

8. LETTER TO TOWN COUNCIL
• CDSSAB They would move forward with the demolition of the school building unless
the municipality would take possession of the property
• Municipality decided to take possession of the property with the condition that the
remainder of the contingency cost transferred to them.
• Early 2019 – Municipality became the official owner of the school property

9. 2nd COMMUNITY MEETING
• A second community meeting was organized in early 2019. Purpose of the meeting
was the first step towards the renewal of our Strategic Plan
• 52 residents attended the meeting.
• Residents were separated in small groups – SWOT Analysis was performed

10. 2nd COMMUNITY MEETING
What we heard:
• Lack of activities, but people wanted activities
• Lack of involvement, lack of motivation
• Website not up to date
• Seniors Club building is deteriating, not accessible and space is limited
• Wanted to convert the school in an alternative use
• Medical Clinic and School Library and mini-gym already located in the school
building
• Explore the opportunity of converting the school in a Community Hub

11. 3rd COMMUNITY MEETING
Purpose:
Present a Mission and community priorities according to what we heard, to provide a
direction for the next 5 years.
Mission
To develop the human and physical potential of the community, in order to strengthen
the economic and social situation and to offer residents, a promising quality of life.

12. PRIORITIES
1. Establish a Community Development Committee
2. Hire an intern – Community Active Coordinator
3. Develop and execute an action plan for the community hub (school)
4. Elaboration of a list of community activities and projects
5. Promote the advantages of living in Opasatika
6. Communicate efficiently and continuously with all residents

13. Responsibility: Municipality of Opasatika
Cost: N/A
Timeline: April 1st to april 15th 2019
Project details:
The community development committee is needed for;
1) Build capacity
2) Pursuit chosen objectives and have a real effect on the situation.
3) Have the ability to mobilize different groups in the community
4) Have a relationship with local power
Priority #1
Establish a Community Development Commitee

14. Responsibility:
Municipality - Economic Development Officer
Cost: $4,000 / year
Timeline: June 2019 – may 2021
Project details:
The program is offered by NOHFC and provides financial assistance of 90% of the
hiring costs.
Under the supervision of the economic development officer, the CAC will work
with the CDC and develop and implement objectives established by the CAC,
including activities and events
Priority #2
Hire an Intern
Community Activity Coordinator

15. Responsibility:
Community Development Committee
Cost:
According to action plan developped
Timeline:
April 2019 to august 2020
Project details:
The development of an action plan for the community hub is necessary so that the
proposed works and activities that will be carried out in the school meet the real need
of the residents of the community
Priority #3
Elaboration and Execution of Action Plan
Community Hub (School)

16. Responsibility:
Community development committee
Cost:
According to identified activities and projects
Timeline:
April 2019 to November 2022
Project details:
The development of a list of community activities and projects.
according to the needs of the residents of the community. According to the activity and
project list, the municipality will dedicate the necessary resources if they are available and
if the projects and activities are deemed relevant and viable
Priority #4
Elaboration of a List of Community Activities
and Projects

17. Responsibility:
Economic Development Officer
Cost:
According to the various activities that will be undertaken
Timeline:
April 2019 to November 2022
Project details:
Be more active on social media and improve the platform of the website to
increase our visibility. promote the benefits of living in a rural environment.
Priority #5
Promote the Advantages of Living in Opasatika

18. Responsibility:
Municipality and Community Development Committee
Cost:
n/a
Timeline:
Continuously
Project details:
Develop a communication system to ensure that our residents are aware of the activities
and projects that take place in their community
Priority #6
Communicate Efficiently and Continuously with
all Residents

19. Next Step
Election of Community development
committee

20. Community Development Committee was created
Achievements

21. Increase in Activities, Community Events, Participation and Involvement
Achievements

22. • A Community Activity Coordinator was hired where 90% of funds were granted by
provincial government.
• An action plan for the Community Hub was elaborated by the CDC and in the process of
being executed.
• Received $150,000 from OTF to convert 2 Classroom in to a Welcoming community space for Seniors
Club. (under construction)
• Received $262,500 from MMHA and CDSSAB to convert 2 classroom in to 2 affordable housing units
(under construction)
• Applied for $132,311 funding to renew the kids park on school property and convert Community Hub
basement in a Exercise Gym.
• $75,000 was approved by OTF to jump start activities and events for a period of 1 year once
Community Hub construction is completed
• Applied for $8,000 thru the Enabling Accessibility Fund to provide accessibility to school entrance
• Applied for $25,000 thru New Horizon for Seniors Program to furnish community space for seniors.
(Pending)
Achievements

23. 1. Find a Champion within the Community
2. Community Engagement
3. Have a Road Map
Key to Success

24. Alain Robichaud
Economic Development Officer
Township of Opasatika and Val Rita-Harty
alain.robichaud@valharty.ca
705-332-1117