Township hopes renovated Grenfel hall becomes a beehive

It’s not often you use the word “charming” to describe a municipally owned facility, but it’s the only word that accurately describes the recently revitalized Grenfel Community Building in Springwater Township.

Featuring a pleasing color palette and soft, diffused lighting thanks to a series of wall sconces, the interior of the lounge, located west of Barrie, looks more like a living room than a meeting space.

The small kitchen behind the living room strengthens the residential atmosphere.

But the kitchen’s third sink gives the lounge a unique commercial advantage – it complies with health regulations regarding having a separate sink for hand washing, in addition to the dishwashing and dish-rinsing sinks – making the lounge the best choice for anyone wanting to take a bath. Host an event that focuses on food as much as fun and entertainment.

“Isn’t he so cute?” Springwater County District 4 District Anita Moore said Wednesday night as she took a group of visitors to tour the facility, located at 1989 Sunnidale Rd. “We have new electrical, new lighting, new windows, a new paved driveway and a new kitchen.

“If you haven’t seen it before, trust me, this looks amazing,” he added.

The door of the hall, which was built in 1953, was closed about 7 months ago. It has been back in the county’s facility inventory for several weeks after the city spent about $125,000 to renovate and update the building.

In August 2022, staff estimated the cost of improvements to the hall would be approximately $75,000. In November 2023, the project received an additional $49,500 from the recreation facility reserve due to increased construction and renovation costs.

“I think it’s a great success,” Dean Collver, Springwater’s director of recreation, parks and facilities, said near the end of the tour. “We want to bring some life to these buildings.”

According to Moore, the hall was a beehive of events, hosting everything from birthday parties and baby showers to weddings and family reunions.

Over the years, numerous community groups, including Girl Guides, wood carvers and euchre clubs, have held weekly meet-ups, he said.

He hopes recent improvements will bring people back to the salon’s front doors.

“We have 50 acres here,” Moore said. “In addition to our arena, we have two baseball fields, a playground, a covered outdoor ice rink, and tons of parking.

“And it’s cheap, really cheap.”

Grenfel Community Hall, which has an occupancy limit of 60 people, is rented for $200 per day on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays, depending on the county’s facility fees. It’s also $200 per day if you need a license to sell alcohol regardless of the day of the week.

A full-day hall rental, Monday through Thursday, without a license to sell alcohol is $150.

Hourly hall rental fee is $30 Monday through Thursday.

A security deposit of $150 is required for some reservations.

Springwater’s other community halls in Antenna Mills, Elmvale, Hillsdale, Midhurst and Minesing have all had building condition assessments, giving the district the opportunity to pick and choose projects that can be managed and accomplished without straining the budget.

The municipality is currently waiting for support Antenna Mills Community CenterThis requires a new floor, a new drop ceiling, and various other upgrades.