Lakefield United Church celebrates opening of Emergency Community Comfort Centre

By Stacey Sullivan

The Village of Lakefield has faced its share of emergencies in recent years. A derecho in 2022, an ice storm and widespread power outages in 2025, and fires at local businesses last fall have all had significant and lasting impacts. Despite these challenges, the community has continued to come together in support of one another.

While no one is eager for another emergency, the community is now better prepared should another event occur, thanks to the efforts of Lakefield United Church (LUC), local donors, and volunteers.

On Wednesday evening, LUC hosted a ribbon cutting celebration to mark the opening of the Emergency Community Comfort Centre.

In December 2025, they launched a fundraising campaign to establish the Community Comfort Centre, a safe, welcoming space designed to provide warmth, power, connection, and essential support during local emergencies.

The emergency centre is located within the church and will provide a compassionate daytime space for individuals and families during emergencies such as extreme weather, power outages, or other community disruptions. The space may also provide refuge during periods of extreme summer heat for those without air conditioning. The goal is to ensure that no one in the community faces these challenges alone.

Lori Neill, Kate Ramsay, and Dave Garrett perform the ceremonial ribbon cutting for the Community Comfort Centre at Lakefield United Church (Photo: Discover Lakefield)

Donations from the community supported the installation of an emergency backup generator, heating and cooling upgrades, charging stations, internet connectivity, and other essential supplies.

The celebration on Wednesday evening honoured volunteers and donors. LUC volunteers Lori Neill, Kate Ramsay, and Dave Garrett performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The Community Comfort Centre is located within Lakefield United Church, 47 Regent Street. (Photo: Discover Lakefield)

LUC is now inviting community members to volunteer in two key roles.

Operations Coordinators will be responsible for supervising the Emergency Comfort Centre during activations, supporting and directing volunteers, and ensuring safety, dignity, and respect for all guests. Volunteers will work in collaboration with Coordinators to help monitor the space for safety, welcome guests, and serve light refreshments.

Those interested in volunteering or learning more are encouraged to fill out the Volunteer Application on the LUC website or contact Sarah at 705-652-3126 or lkflduc@nexicom.net.