Bobcaygeon Community Fund
Around the Council table, I was instrumental in convincing council to approve funding for the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. I was very proud to be able to tell Council this truly inspirational story of how Bobcaygeon residents and Foundation were able to raise funds for the victims of the Princess Apartment fire in Bobcaygeon 2025.
Two Years Later: After the Flames, How a Community Fund Became a Lifeline
Bobcaygeon, ON — May 23, 2026
Two years ago, on a cool May evening, a devastating fire tore through the Princess Apartments in Bobcaygeon, leaving 27 residents suddenly without homes, belongings, or a clear path forward. Seven fire halls and 54 firefighters had responded to the blaze. “It was a long, hard fire,” said District Fire Chief Dave Kish. Crews worked through the night, but by morning, it was clear—the building was beyond saving.
What happened next is a testament to the kind of town Bobcaygeon is—generous, compassionate, and quick to act. In true Canadian small-town spirit, neighbours, volunteers, and organizations immediately stepped up to help.
By sunrise, the community had shifted its focus to immediate relief: food, clothing, shelter—and ultimately, recovery.
Rapid Response with Long-Term Impact
As the extent of the loss became clear, so did the financial needs. Each family and individual faced unique housing challenges. That’s when the Bobcaygeon Community Fund (BCF) mobilized, providing a ready-made structure for fundraising and disbursement.
“We were so glad the fund was already in place,” says BCF Chair Ann Adare. “It meant we could start helping right away—no red tape, no delays. The first donation was handled within 12 hours of the fire.”
Originally launched as a pilot in 2021 to support the Edgewood Stone Wall Restoration Project, BCF is administered by the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes. The fund had already directed donations to community building and local causes like the Boyd Museum’s water refill station and active transportation infrastructure. Now, it was ready for its most urgent mission yet.
Community-Driven Relief Effort
Relief efforts came together quickly. Staff from Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Victim Services and the Red Cross were on site immediately, but local leadership soon took over. The Bobcaygeon Fire Relief Committee, an impromptu team of dedicated volunteers, worked tirelessly to coordinate aid.
As Kawartha Lakes Ward 2 Councillor, I was proud to work with the all-volunteer Fire Relief Committee: “It was inspiring to witness their leadership in action. Heather Cousineau, Ann Adare, Maria Bowles, Lucy Burke, Laura Fisher, Lynn Nicholls, Lynda Nicholson Darling, and Susan Sainsbury each brought skill and commitment to the response. These caring women exemplify what it means to be community leaders.”
Over $83,000 Raised and Disbursed
Thanks to generous donors near and far—including major gifts from Kawartha Dairy, Bobcaygeon Food Bank, and Cable Cable—a total of $83,367 was raised. Donations from the Bobcaygeon area accounted for 58% of the total, with contributions also arriving from the GTA and even from Niagara Falls and New York.
Working closely with the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, BCF ensured 100% of the funds were disbursed directly to the 27 individuals affected. The funds helped cover expenses related to temporary housing, first and last months' rent when permanent housing was located, and basic furnishings, clothing, household items, and medical needs including pet care—providing a crucial bridge back to stability.”
Two Years Later
Today, all 27 fire victims are safely housed and rebuilding their lives. “Disasters rarely come with much warning,” says Ann Adare. “This experience showed how vital it is to have a community fund in place, ready to activate in times of need.”
The Bobcaygeon Community Fund continues its work, now supporting local projects like Beautify Bobcaygeon flower fund and the 2026 Bobcaygeon 150th Anniversary.
What happened after the fire was extraordinary—but it doesn’t have to be the exception. With continued support, the Bobcaygeon Community Fund can remain a lifeline in times of crisis and a catalyst in times of growth. Your donation today is an investment in the strength and future of this community.
How to Support Bobcaygeon’s Community Initiatives
Donations can be made:
- By e-transfer to: info@kawarthafoundation.ca
(Please also send a separate email to this email address and include your name, address, phone number, and direct the donation to the Bobcaygeon Community Fund.)
- Or by cheque payable to the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes, mailed to 165 Kent Street, Suite 302, Lindsay, ON K9V 2Y5. Please add “Bobcaygeon Community Fund” in the memo section of your cheque.
- By credit card / PayPal / Apple Pay, please visit our online donation page
Tax receipts will be provided.
For more information, or to discuss a potential project for BCF support, email: bobcaygeoncommunityfund@gmail.com,
Partnered with the Kawartha Foundation, a registered charity, we can support legacy charitable giving for donors to support Bobcaygeon for generations to come.