Families laced up their skates and hit the ice Tuesday morning for a family skate in Virgil that offered a sneak peek at Red Roof Retreat’s upcoming expansion plans in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
On Feb. 25 at the Meridian Credit Union Arena, the retreat unveiled its plans for a new, fully accessible two-storey building to meet the growing demand for family support programs for individuals with special needs.
The retreat plans to move from its current 1,100-square-foot-bungalow on Concession 6 to a state-of-the–art, 5,700-square-foot fully accessible two-story building.
Red Roof, which has served over 300 families, will begin construction in Sept., with a targeted opening in Sept. 2026.
The red barn, which gave the retreat its name, will also be fixed up with new siding and updated inside. A new covered pavilion will be built for year-round activities as well.
“This new home allows us to build our capacity and provide a truly accessible home,” said executive director Steffanie Bjorgan.
“It’s just a wonderful upgrade to celebrate our 25th anniversary.”
The skate was part of Red Roof’s “All You Need is Love” campaign — their campaign to engage the community and raise funds to better support those with accessibility requirements.
“There’s just no way to address that unless we get bigger,” she said.
Among those at the skate was long-time supporter Coun. Tim Balasiuk, who sees the retreat as a vital part of town and beyond.
“It (Red Roof) definitely needs to grow because they provide such great services for the community at large, not just Niagara-on-the-Lake,” he said.
Services like the petting zoo, he said.
The petting zoo and farm visits give children a chance to interact with animals while allowing parents to leave their kids in a safe environment. Balasiuk said this lets parents take time for themselves and get things done, knowing their children are having a positive experience.
“Because, it’s a busy life,” he said.
During the skate, which was free, attendees could sip on warm drinks, enter a draw, learn more about Red Roof’s mission and programs and meet the retreat’s staff, board members and clients. Donations were welcomed.
Bjorgan has always been committed to making the retreat’s facilities available to the entire community, said Coun. Maria Mavridis
Mavridis said about seven years ago, Red Roof worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Lord Mayor’s youth advisory committee to get funding from a private donor for a drop-in centre offering mental health therapy for youth.
Although the program only lasted two years due to funding, Mavridis said it illustrates how Bjorgan has always been dedicated to including the community in the retreat’s efforts.
Bjorgan said there’s a deep connection between the retreat and the community of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
“This community is like no other. They’re just so connected to great things going on in their neighborhood,” she said.
Red Roof could have been built somewhere else, but Bjorgan said they want to grow where they’ve always had support.
“This is home. We want to stick with the people that have stuck with us,” she said.
The town’s unwavering support over the past 25 years makes it clear Red Roof should continue to grow here, she said.
Bjorgan saw the skate as a chance to show how even small acts of support can make a big difference for families in need.
“For every family we support, that’s huge,” she said. “It’s a ripple effect.”.
Because families supported by Red Roof feel more stable and supported, which makes it easier for them to give back and stay engaged in their community, Bjorgan said.
“That’s a win-win,” she said.
To stay updated on Red Roof’s expansion, you can follow the retreat on social media and visit the website for more information and ways to donate.
