Help Us Buy Our New Centre at 499 Preston St

A month ago, we emailed our members describing the possibility of purchasing a new centre for KMCO at 499 Preston St (near Carling). It’s a larger space that is fully accessible and within walking distance of our current location at 879 Somerset St.

Help Us Buy Our New Centre in Ottawa

Financial update

Since that time, in an effort to present a solid financial proposal to the New Kadampa Tradition, we have received pledged donations and interest-free loans. In addition, one person has offered a matching donation where every dollar pledged towards this project would be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $50,000. If we succeed in maximizing this opportunity, that would translate to another $100,000.

No money is required immediately — we are only asking for pledges until we get the green light. A decision will likely be made during the Fall Festival in the UK, starting October 9th. Please contact Kelsang Khandro as soon as possible so the decision makers have the full picture of our community’s support.

Positive attributes of the property

Fully accessible, complete with elevator and accessible washroom
A main level meditation room with 150 person capacity
A lower level meditation room with 80 person capacity (two classes, or a class and a retreat, at once)
Perfect space for a larger bookstore / shop
Sitting area on the main level and a large open community area on the lower level
Lovely outdoor patio that could be used for an indoor/outdoor cafe
Very quiet inside, even though it’s on a busy street (Preston at Carling)
Lots of walk-by foot traffic (think Tulip Festival)
Amenable for open hours as an oasis of peace for people of Ottawa
Near growth and development of housing and the new Civic Hospital
Zoned for religious use (formerly a Lutheran Church)
Fully renovated and clean; includes a sound system and security system
Adjacent to Dows Lake and Commissioners Park
Possibility of 2 bedrooms in the basement for managers to live onsite