The Table Soup Kitchen Foundation is requesting $1.2 million from the District of Muskoka to fund the first phases of the Table Plaza project.
During a Community and Planning Services Committee meeting on Nov. 20, Heather Cassie, Foundation Executive Director and Founder and Brian Rasmussen, Board President, presented a report to District Council detailing the future plans for The Table Plaza.
“The table is seeking partnership with the District of Muskoka to strengthen community well-being through the development of the Table Warming and Cooling Centre and the advancement of the Table Plaza, an innovative, multi-purpose community hub that addresses food insecurity, housing stability, and social connection,” said Cassie.
In the report, they request a one-time donation of $1.2 million to help cover renovations, staffing, and early operations at the new site.
Cassie said the new facility will expand essential services, create pathways for skills development and local employment, and enhance overall community health and wellness.
She said these efforts directly align with the district’s strategic priorities, which are housing for everyone, good jobs and workers to fill them, and community health and well-being.
“Together we can build a thriving, resilient Muskoka where all residents have the support they need to live with dignity and opportunity,” she said.
Since 2006, the foundation has been providing Muskoka with multiple free services, including the Soup Kitchen, Food Bank, Food Rescue, Love Connection, Men’s Hostel, Community Kitchen, Exchange Store, and Food Bank Garden.
However, Cassie said they have struggled to keep up with demand due to the continued rise in the need for affordable housing and food bank access.
“Our facilities are at full capacity and beyond, and we have a wait list that continues to grow at our men’s hostel. This is the time for Muskoka to take decisive action with the table to tackle homelessness and food insecurity,” said Cassie.
Cassie also said with the proposed funding, they are looking to alleviate the motels that have become shelters.
Rasmussen said with the District’s help, they can address the deepest community needs by supporting those in crisis and transitioning people toward stable housing, and added without affordable housing, communities face challenges like labour shortages, homelessness, and rising living costs.
“We are creating an innovative community-driven model that sets the standard for other Canadian communities to follow. A legacy of compassion and community leadership, addressing housing, food, and belonging together,” said Rasmussen.
District staff said they were in favour of the request but needed more information and discussion before taking a final decision.
“Thank you very much for the work that you do and the tremendous vision you have,” said Councillor Terry Glover. “This may have to come to finance, and all kinds of things would have to happen in order to get into that kind of money.”
Discussion on the proposed deputation will continue at future meetings.
