As of April 1, 2026
1. What’s happening at CNIB Lake Joe?
As we celebrate 65 years of CNIB Lake Joe, we’re investing in its future by building what comes next. Construction work is now underway at Lake Joe, with upgrades that will improve the camp experience for our community for years to come.
Upgrades include improvements to infrastructure (like site drainage), modernized facilities (like geothermal heating and cooling), and the construction of a brand-new multi-purpose building called Hogarth Hall, which will help transform CNIB Lake Joe into a year-round facility!
Hogarth Hall will be built in the area between the welcome centre and the dining hall/lounge, and this area will become the main construction zone.
Hogarth Hall will house Canada’s first purpose-built goalball court, allowing us to introduce more children, youth, and adults to this exciting Paralympic sport. It will also allow for us to open our doors to more external groups, programs, and community functions, offering new opportunities for partnerships, special events, and revenue generation to support our programs, facilities, and camp operations all year long.
2. Will construction be happening while guests are on site?
Yes. Construction work will take place before, during, and after the 2026 camp season. We’re taking steps to contain the work as much as possible so our guests can continue to make the most of their time at CNIB Lake Joe while these important improvements are underway.
Work will be safely contained and carefully scheduled to minimize disruptions to camp activities wherever possible. Although some noise and activity are expected, every effort will be made to limit their impact on our guests and our programming
3. Where will the construction take place at camp?
Hogarth Hall will be built in the area between the Welcome Centre and the Dining Hall/Lounge, and this area will become the main construction zone.
All construction areas will be:
- Separated from activity areas to keep everyone safe
- Managed under strict safety protocols
- Fully fenced, secured, and clearly marked as restricted with updated tactile maps available to ensure guests are orientated to the site
- Guests will not be allowed near or have access to any construction areas. Access will also be restricted for staff and volunteers.
- All camp programming areas will be separate from construction zones.
- Guests will still be able to access guest cabins, the dining hall, lounge, wellness centre, rec hall, adventure zone (climbing tower, new vertical playground, soccer pitch, mini golf, archery), the sensory garden, campfire, gazebo, nature trail, beach, boathouse and watersports.
- On arrival at CNIB Lake Joe, guests will be greeted in a temporary location. More information about this process will be shared closer to your arrival at camp.
- Staff are trained to manage logistics and ensure smooth daily operations.
4. Is Lake Joe safe for guests during construction?
Yes. CNIB Lake Joe is committed to providing a safe and accessible camp experience for all our guests. A Camp Safety Plan is in place to address all aspects of the construction strategy and programming decisions.
The project is being managed by experienced contractors and supervised by CNIB property personnel and camp leadership to ensure work meets safety and operational standards.
CNIB Lake Joe is an accredited member of the Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and a member of the Camp Safety Network.
5. Will construction affect camp activities?
No. Guests will still be able to enjoy a fulsome camp experience. Some camp activities may be relocated, scheduled differently, or slightly modified (like tandem biking) due to site restrictions and to ensure safety, but guests will be able to enjoy the same programming and outdoor experiences that Lake Joe has to offer.
6. Will there be noise during the day?
Yes. Construction will take place during scheduled daytime hours, and some noise and activity are to be expected. It’s still too early to provide a detailed construction schedule, but we’ll keep guests informed and share updates as timelines becomes clearer.
Work will be safely contained and carefully scheduled to minimize disruptions to camp activities wherever possible. Although some noise and activity are unavoidable, every effort will be made to limit their impact on our guests and our programming.
7. Where can I get more information?
- Any major updates will be shared through CampBrain emails (for registered guests), newsletters, and on our website.
- Register for our upcoming Information Session on Thursday, April 30 from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern on Zoom.
- Registered guests are encouraged to join us for a virtual orientation session, tailored to specific program types:
- Adult Programs: Monday, June 1, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Register for Adult Programs orientation session here.
- Children & Youth Programs: Tuesday, June 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Register for Children & Youth Programs orientation session here.
- Family Programs: Tuesday, July 7, 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern. Register for Family Programs orientation session here.
We’ll also check-in with guests prior to their visit to share the latest construction information and what to expect on arrival.
8. Who can I contact if I have questions?
We know participants, guests and their families may have questions, and our team is always happy to help. You can reach us anytime at lakejoe@cnib.ca or call 705-375-2630 or toll-free: 1-877-748-4028.