The Orillia Common Roof has 5,900 square feet of vacant space, and officials are looking outside the box in an attempt to fill it.
Half of the third floor has been unoccupied since the Common Roof opened in 2011. James Thomson, president and CEO of the New Path Foundation, which owns and operates the building at 169 Front St. S., wants that to change.
“We want to pull together a group of individuals who may want to use this space,” he said.
The community will have a chance to chime in May 13, when the Common Roof will host a brainstorming session from 11:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
The goal is to turn the vacant space into a hub for “local community innovators and social entrepreneurs, allowing for efficient use of precious resources through a shared space and infrastructure while also providing opportunity for networking and collaboration.”
Since it opened, the Common Roof has been a place for non-profit organizations to share space and resources. What has been missing, though, is a “community development” focus, Thomson said.
There are about 16 organizations using the building, but the goal is to open it up to the broader community — grassroots organizations as well as individuals, such as artists. Some of the space could also be used to host events and art shows.
Those are just a few examples. It’s a blank canvas, which is exciting to Thomson.
“What can we do while we still have capacity in Orillia?” he asked. “If we have this large, open space and we can do something funky with it, why not give it a try?”
Thomson encourages people to attend the free session and share their thoughts and ideas.
“From a community development perspective, it’s important that everybody’s voice be recognized,” he said.
Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP by May 6 by contacting Maureen Armstrong at [email protected] or 705-733-2654, ext. 2228. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
