Peace Ranch News

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At the end of the maple tree lined laneway stood the workshop / craft building and the drive shed. These weathered batten board covered buildings saw many changes through the years. The original owners, the Pattersons, who built the house in 1887, used the old drive shed to store the farm machinery of their day. They probably had a wagon and maybe a horse drawn sleigh for winter transport, as well.

The Pattersons sold the farm to a group of artists and this group built onto the drive shed, creating a larger building with an open area in the centre section and a cement-floored workshop on the west side.

The artists created and sold various pieces using several different mediums from clay to textiles. The founders of Peace Ranch took over the property in 1990 and that workspace was used by the residents for many craft and art projects, including the full wall-size mural of the farm that several residents, staff and volunteers lovingly created a few years ago. The floor of the workshop area was dotted with paint from numerous tasks and the smell of old leather and machine oil always hung in the air. As sad as it was to see the demolition of this old building, it is exciting to watch the construction of our new Program Building, seeing the flooring, walls and roof take shape, literally before our eyes. Through the generosity of the Ministry of Health and some private donors, the realization of this project is finally in place. This new building will be subdivided into 3 sections: the solarium, the studio and the workshop room. The solarium will be home to the "growing" Horticulture Program that is very popular with all our clients. This sun-filled room sits on the west side of the building and will sport floor-to-ceiling windows to allow for maximum light. The centre part of the building will house the studio area. This will be an open area with the flexibility to be used as a meeting area as well as an artist's space. The workshop room will hold tools and machinery for building projects as well as having some storage capability. Donations to fundraising campaigns will be greatly appreciated in allowing us to complete the interior of this building. All in all, this new building will create a comprehensive space to encourage all our clients to enjoy the wonderful programs offered at the ranch.

by Leslie Wiscombe, Administrative Assistant

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Winter Edition

2006-2007

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