May 15, 2015
Members of Upper Canada Chapter took the opportunity to give back to their community, when they took on a project to transform the front entrance of the Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH) in Cobourg.

“Chapter members were honoured to be a part of such an important community project,” said Upper Canada Chapter Board secretary, Sian Pritchard of The Cutting Garden in Grafton. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to give back to an institution that provides so much for this community.” Pritchard coordinated the project.

The garden project involved the transformation of the front entrance at the hospital, including a new dry stone wall. Well-known for his work across the province, Master Craftsman Dean McLellan and his crew of students from the Saugeen Reserve #29, from the shores of Lake Huron, constructed the wall. Work began Apr. 13 on the project. There is also a garden area.

The Rotary Club of Northumberland Sunrise provided the funding for the project. The club will also maintain the landscape. Landscape Ontario’s Upper Canada Chapter provided significant expertise and labour at no cost to the hospital.

 “As a professional association, we work together to promote the green industry and bring people outside to connect with the outdoors. With this project, our goals are many; to provide a welcoming entrance, a calming space to walk by and a year-round oasis to view from inside the hospital,” says Pritchard.

“The revitalization of the front garden is a perfect example of community partners working together to create a lasting legacy for the enjoyment of our patients and visitors,” said Rhonda Cunningham, Executive Director of NHH Foundation.