A long-term treatment facility in Orillia now boasts a new gazebo and serenity garden thanks to the efforts of local businesses and community members.
Seven South Street Treatment Centre has helped people with substance abuse treatment since 1972, and currently houses up to 20 residents at a time as they make their way through treatment.
This fall, the new sheltered gazebo and serenity garden — featuring a fire pit and wooden pergola — were built at the South Street facility to aid residents in their recovery.
The gazebo will serve as a space for therapy, meditation, and reflection, and the serenity garden will be used for smudging, therapeutic activities, cultural ceremonies, and other practices that assist residents on their healing journeys.
Jack and Jenny Brennan, who own Wes Brennan Construction, donated the labour required to build the facility’s new gazebo.
“I got called in here for a separate reason,” Jack told OrilliaMatters. “We built a roof over the back and (this was) mentioned to us when we were here, and we thought why not? And donated our time.”
Tim Leatherdale Construction, PT Landscaping, Apex Aggregates, Orillia Home Hardware, Summerfield Electric, and Theo’s Eatery also donated time and resources to bring the project to fruition — which was opened with a blessing ceremony by land-based healing coordinator, Chris Walser.
Seven South board member, Brian Adams, said he was “in awe” to see the community’s support for the project, which he says will complement the work being done inside the facility.
“I’ve been on the board for a number of years, so for me to have seen some of the transition over time — this has been absolutely amazing,” Adams said. “To see this kind of support from the community is really gratifying, really gratifying.”
Kelly Compton, the facility’s director of clinical services, highlighted how eager the community was to step up and pitch in on the project.
“I noticed for myself, especially with Jack here, that it was so heartwarming to see how there was no hesitation,” she said. “There was no fight to get people to show up for us, and that was a heartwarming part of this project.”
