Community Living Owen Sound & District Moves Into New Community Participation Space
Community Living has relocated its Community Participation space to 1285 2nd Ave. E., offering bright, purpose-built rooms and expanded opportunities for inclusion and connection.
Community Living Owen Sound & District (CLOSD) celebrated the grand opening of its new Community Participation (CP) space on Friday, August 15, with a ribbon cutting at 1285 2nd Avenue East.
The move marks a major step forward for a program that supports nearly 200 adults with diverse abilities through inclusive, engaging, and innovative opportunities that enrich lives and strengthen the broader community.
Manager of Community Participation Tammy Robertson explained that the new location was designed with growth in mind.
“Our former space served us well for many years. Back when we moved in, 21 years ago, conversations about inclusion were far less common and acceptance wasn’t as widespread. That’s why we were intentional in choosing a location right in the heart of the downtown core, beside City Hall, ensuring we were both visible and part of the community’s daily life,” said Robertson.
“As our programming continues to evolve, our new space opens the door to fresh possibilities for growth and connection. We’ve designed it with the goal of expanding life skills opportunities, creating more ways for people to learn, engage, and build stronger connections within our community.”
A Space Designed for Belonging
The new facility is bright, welcoming, and built specifically for adults. It includes a teaching kitchen, a sensory room to support self-regulation, and a dedicated coffee bar where participants can connect over refreshments.
Robertson said improvements for staff are also a highlight, with individual offices and a private workspace now available on-site.
“There’s so much to be excited about in our new space,” she said. “It was created specifically for adults, with a warm, inviting feel, and I truly believe we’ve achieved that.”
What Community Participation Looks Like
Community Participation programming is open to adults (18+) who are funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS), with referrals managed through Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).
Programming is tailored to individual interests and typically delivered in small groups, with a five-to-one support ratio. Activities range widely, but all focus on helping participants build life skills, make connections, and deepen their sense of belonging in the community.
Recent examples include trips to the Keady Market, outdoor walks, bowling in Port Elgin, cooking classes, volunteering opportunities, crafts, and mindful movement sessions.
The benefits of group programming are broad, from skill development and problem-solving to reducing isolation, improving communication, and fostering friendships.
A Philosophy of Inclusion
CLOSD emphasizes that community involvement is not just a social activity but a pathway to personal growth, independence, and empowerment. The CP program reflects that vision by creating ways for individuals to participate, connect, and contribute in meaningful ways.
“We envision a community where everyone is valued, included, and empowered to live their best lives,” the organization states.
While staff and participants are settling into the new building, the work of Community Living continues to evolve. Robertson said the space allows for more innovation and flexibility in programming, ensuring the nearly 200 people supported through CP can continue to build skills, form connections, and contribute to the wider Owen Sound community.
She added that Community Living was fortunate to have “such wonderful landlords” at the old location in the downtown core. “We wish them the very best in finding new tenants to make the space their own,” she said.
For more information on Community Participation programming, visit Community Living Owen Sound & District’s website or contact Developmental Services Ontario Southwest Region at 519-371-8428.