Uplifting the Property

My first retreats at the Dharma Centre of Canada (DCC) were in the Fall of 2017 with Lho Ontul Rinpoche and Lama Mark.  I found the teachings to be extraordinary and felt incredibly blessed to have received so many gifts from these teachers.

Some how I felt a deep connection to the DCC, the staff, board members, the retreatants, and also its 400 acres of beautiful boreal forest, much of this completely untouched and home to much wildlife.  I became acquainted with baby snapping turtles during that retreat, have met with a beautiful porcupine leisurely walking along the road leading to the Hermitage and saw plenty of turtles laying eggs over the next years.

Following those retreats I became involved as a financial consultant and then as a Board member.  Last June a Property Management Committee was formed of which I became a member.  I was excited by the creation of this committee as I knew the maintenance of such a large property was a challenge and that long term planning would allow the DCC to develop, and improve the property, facilities and monuments. 

When the committee was formed a fund was also created the Uplifted Property fund to help finance long term improvements. We now have more than $17,000 in this fund and the Temple renovation fund. 

Our first meeting of the Property Planning committee was a revelation, listing all the facilities and the repairs or improvements required was humbling. We did allow ourselves to dream a little on what the DCC could be like. And setting priorities is certainly a challenge. Last year the roof of the Main House was replaced by a colourful metal roof and a new stove purchased for the main kitchen all this without borrowing from savings.  I think this is a great achievement, I am obviously pleased by this!  Also the Garuda project was completed last year. The DCC provided $1,000 towards the project and the remaining funds came from donations. 

Although many repairs or improvements are important, the condition of the monuments was of concern as well as the condition of the Temple. Several evaluations were made regarding the Temple over the past year or so and a plan was developed, one that involves considerable work to be done to the Temple in order to have a safe, well ventilated and healthy environment. At this time the next step is an evaluation by a structural engineer before plans are finalised. 

Of course, Covid 19 in March came and changed things considerably.  With Covid 19, it became increasingly obvious that it was not the right time to start work on the Temple.  Instead a volunteer committee is leading the repairs to the monuments, inviting volunteers and sharing the specialised knowledge and skills required for the repairs. It led to the DC’s first retreat since Covid, at the beginning of August.

There is much work to do, but it is exciting to work toward maintaining and improving such a special place as the Dharma Centre of Canada.

Monique Truax