1960 Lil Bergman (then Lil Tomashowski) and Norvalle Somerville believe groups of concerned parents of mentally handicapped children and citizens got together in the fall of 1960 to discuss school for such children. Norvalle believes classes started in the fall of 1960 in the old Norman Community Club where they started with 5 children. When the weather turned cold they moved to Pinecrest School where they stayed less than a year. Norvalle Somerville, who was doing supply teaching with the public school Board started off as a volunteer at the Norman Community Classes. She was subsequently paid a small salary, thus becoming the first paid professional of the Association. She recalls being approached by C.G.M Smith then school inspector for Kenora. She doesn't recall what she was paid other than "It wasn't very much."
1961
February 9th 1961
Earliest record (discovered to date) of a meeting of this Association with the following in attendance:
Mr and Mrs K. Belair, Mr and Mrs Contini, Mr George Gagnon, Mr and Mrs Chas. Kearney Jr.,Mr and Mrs W.Tomashowski
Various persons have been credited as prime movers including Dr. Peter Playfair and a missionary from Africa
April 17 1061 Association becomes affiliated with Ontario Association for mentally Retarded Children
1962 Classes move to the basement of the old North West School Annex
1963
December 27 1963 Often an Association that survives initial
organizing efforts will seek incorporated status to protect its integrity, to
hold assets and to gain other benefits which incorporation confers. The Kenora
Association for Community Living gained incorporated status by Letters Patent
56625 on April 17, 1961 when the Association. Its first constitution indicates,
"The Kenora - Keewatin District Association was formed on April 17, 1961 with the following purposes and objects,
(a) To promote the education, training, development and welfare of all mentally retarded children at home, in institutions, in public and private schools, and to co-operate with public and private agencies, the various departments of government and other groups and organizations having a similar purpose.
(b) To assist such children toward becoming as far as possible self-sufficient and self-supporting.
(c) To develop a better understanding of the problem of retardation by the general public.
(d) To further the training and education of personnel in the field of retardation.
(e) To solicit and receive funds for the accomplishment of the above purposes.
1964
The Kinsmen Club of Kenora purchased property and had Kinvalley school built. The official opening was held in June 1964.
The IOOF Hall in Keewatin was rented for a sheltered Workshop for a lace for adult clients to go and something to do with their time. An Adult Services Committee was struck with Betty Lou Reynard. Lil Matischuk was the instructor with 8 or 10 people in attendance.
1965
School Salary Schedule for Kinvalley for 1965:
Category 1 - unqualified teacher, $3000, $200 increments for years experience, Maximum $3200
Category 2 - unqualified teacher with Department of Education Course, $ 3200, $200 increment for each years experience to maximum of $4600
Category 3 - qualified teacher, $3600, $200 for each year experience to maximum of $5600
Category 4 - qualified teacher with course, $3700, $200 for each year experience to maximum of $5700
Norvalle Somerville recalled that John W. Boich was great for finding money for the new school
1966
The Association organized a nursery to be called Sunshine Nursery to give relief to the parents of pre-school mentally retarded children. For its first year of operation, a small group of children gathered in the auditorium of the First Baptist Church. It was originally staffed totally by volunteers.
ARC moved into the Lakeside Baptist Church, which had been purchased by the Kinsmen Club.
1967
Sunshine nursery moved to the basement of Knox United Church.
1970
In the 1970's walkathon's in Kenora were a major source of fund-raising. These required a lot of man-hours of work setting up check points with supplies of food and drink, a headquarters for the start and finish, and handling the money and sponsor sheets, organizing communications and first aid. The Association was overjoyed at the response and the amount raised.
In the early 70's planning started to meet the need of a residence for people from Kenora and for those who had been sent to North West Regional centre in Thunder Bay.The ancient stone building and the number of people in each room created a prison-like setting.
1971
In 1971, following the tragic deaths of 2 institution residents in Eastern Ontario, the Government formed a commission to investigate the events and to go further and advise what should be done in the future for the benefit of the people living in these places. Heading the Commission was Walter Williston, QC. Kenora Association submitted a brief to him outlining the need for residential accommodation in Kenora. Mr. Williston came to Kenora in January 1972 to discuss our brief. He was impressed with our desire to provide residential services and acknowledged Kenora in his submission to Government.
Association approaches the Town of Kenora for a lot and out of those available, which were few, chose a double lot at the end of a new street being developed for a Metis subdivision. The lot was level except for one side that appeared to be a bit swampy. At this time, we also had to solve three emergency cases for the Native Community, Indian Affairs, and the Association. Charlie Strachan sat on the committee and we acquired a house on Rat Portage Reserve, hired a couple from Grassy Narrows, supplied the house with food and furnishings, thanks to help from the Kenora Kinettes, the Lionelles, and Vasa Lodge, and provided housing for two young ladies and one young man.
1974
In 1974, the Government made the sudden announcement that
funding would be provided for the full cost of three residences in our
District, and one would be in Kenora. Leo Bernier presented the details of the announcement at the
1975
Residence was opened in mid-1975, and was named Charlie McLeod Manor after a young Native man who would have been a resident. Unfortunately Charlie died prior to construction. The residence was a success but not without problems. A less-structured environment for some people who were higher functioning was required and a property on Pine Portage Road where six people could reside was acquired. Charlie McLeod became known as the "Core Residence" and Pine Portage as the "Auxiliary".
1977
A behaviour
management program was begun in June 1977 to assist in the development of
programs for the Association's most challenged consumers of services.
The Infant Development Program began in July 1977 first as an experimental project, one of the first in the Province of Ontario.
1981
ARC moved into the Ken-O-Kee building on the Redditt Road
1982
Sunshine Nursery was moved to St. Andrews United Church in Keewatin.
The property for a new ARC Industry building was purchased from Garth Nelson of Nelson's Leisureland. The efforts of Leo Bernier were instrumental in obtaining the Government money. A major fund raising was undertaken and the money required from the Association was raised in record time, thanks to the generosity of the business community and the general population.
1983
Building of Arc Building completed and ARC moved into what was then called Tenth Avenue South in October 1983.
1986
The Name of the Association is changed to "Kenora Association for Community Living" on March 10 1986
1997
The Ministry of Community and Social Services pulled the funding for the Adult Protection Service Program towards the end of calendar year 1997.
A land swap was entered into with Westfair Properties whereby the Association gained land to the North of its present property giving up its entrance to Tenth Avenue and its somewhat dangerous entry to that street.
Kid's Zone moves into new Quarters at 216 Sixth St. South
2005
In January Kid's Zone Toddler program opens up at 528 3rd Ave South.
In March 2005 the Community Mental Health Support Services program moved into their new home at 4 Ninth Avenue South.
2006
Art Partners an inclusive program for person interested in acquiring Art skills commenced
Fitness Friends, an inclusive program to encourage inclusive exercising participation
Community Wellness Program set yup to provide more opportunitioes for recreation and Socializing
2008
Rise to the Rthyhm Druming group commenced to provide another opportunity for inclusive music making
2009
In the Key of Community music group commenced to encourage a multi-skilled level appreciation and production of music
2010
216 3rd Ave refitted to serve as an Arts Hub Center