The Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre (OAFDC) board held its second annual live general meeting in Listowel on Thursday.
The main goal of the meeting was to present the architectural design of the planned agricultural science centre. After a thorough selection process with 41 firms applying, Moriyama Teshima Architects was selected.
Board Chair Steve Dolson mentioned that there are several important steps to take before construction can begin on the proposed centre in Listowel.
“We’re working on the experience planning and then the fundraising strategy and feasibility study. Those are two pieces of work that need to be done before we start the capital campaign. We will be putting out RFPs (Requests for Proposals) to consulting firms that are skilled in those areas,” Dolson said.
Regarding the design of experiences within the centre, Dolson noted that further consulting work is still required.
“We’re still looking for about $100,000 to complete that. By the time we’re done with the three pieces of development work, we will have had $500,000 invested in the project already, and then we can start the capital campaign,” he added.
Dolson hopes to kick off the capital campaign next year. He estimates that creating this centre will cost around $50 million, and they plan to approach various levels of government for support when they’re ready to start fundraising.
“We’re trying to make use of whatever grant programs are out there, whether they be in agriculture, education or tourism. We kind of fit in all three of those areas. But at the end of the day, this is a unique project,” he pointed out.
The architectural concept for the proposed Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre in Listowel by Moriyama Teshima Architects. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
For those who aren’t familiar with it yet, the aim is to create an innovative science and education centre focused on agriculture and its role in feeding everyone. The board has already secured 10 acres of land donated by North Perth Municipality near Steve Kerr Memorial Complex along Binning Street in Listowel.
The architectural concept for the proposed Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre in Listowel by Moriyama Teshima Architects. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
You can find out more about this proposed build and learn more about OAFDC board here: https://www. oafdc. ca/.
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The architectural concept for the proposed Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre in Listowel by Moriyama Teshima Architects. (Photo by Ryan Drury)
You can find out more about this proposed build and learn more about OAFDC board here: https://www. oafdc. ca/.
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