AlgomaTrad Founders Julie Schryer (right) on the keyboard, and Pat O’Gorman (second from left) on the flute, perform with a group of local musicians at the newly refurbished AlgomaTrad Centre.
The late summer sun shines over the new AlgomaTrad Centre, a centrepiece and gathering place for the community on St. Joseph island.
Community members gather in a dance circle in the newly refurbished main hall area of the AlgomaTrad Centre.
A new commercial kitchen upgrade has enabled AlgomaTrad to offer a year round gathering space with full catering capabilities.
For more than two decades, AlgomaTrad has been bringing people together through music, dance, and heritage arts. From family camps and workshops to concerts and community programs, the organization has built a strong following by creating welcoming opportunities for people of all ages to learn, create, and connect.
As AlgomaTrad grew over the years, so did its vision. Founders Julie Schryer and Pat O’Gorman dreamed of creating a permanent home on St. Joseph Island where their programming could thrive year-round in a setting that reflected the creativity, community spirit, and natural beauty at the heart of the organization.
“We both see this development as a natural and extended part of the traditional/folk music communities in which we grew and learned - communities that encouraged social communication, sharing, and artistic expressions of the joy and connection that are inherent in these communities,” said Schryer
While rented facilities had served their needs in the past, they wanted a dedicated space where people could gather, share experiences, and build lasting connections. A place where, in Schryer’s words, “our programs and events would be reflected by and aligned with the natural surroundings.”
Turning that vision into reality was not without challenges. Like many organizations, AlgomaTrad faced the ongoing task of raising funds while keeping programs affordable and accessible for participants across rural Northern Ontario. The organization relied on years of support from volunteers, donors, participants, and community partners to move the project forward. A successful fundraising campaign in 2020 raised $400,000 and helped leverage more than $3.5 million in government funding, bringing the dream of a permanent arts and culture centre within reach.
FedNor played a key role in helping AlgomaTrad take the next step. Funding from the Tourism Relief Fund supported the first major renovations to the Centre's main hall, helping transform it into a safe, functional space that could be used throughout the year. The investment also helped the organization advance its business plan and expand programming.
“Without FedNor’s support we would not be where we are,” said Schryer. “FedNor provided a real boost to get us on track to fulfill our business plan and expand our programming.”
Today, the AlgomaTrad Centre is already making a meaningful impact. Recent milestones include the construction of a 30-by-60-foot gathering and events pavilion and the transformation of the main hall into a year-round facility complete with a commercial kitchen designed to support community events and programming.
For the organization, however, the project's greatest success is the people it serves. Participants have formed lifelong friendships, discovered new skills, and found a strong sense of belonging through AlgomaTrad’s programs.
“We think that our biggest impact is in cultivating connected community through arts and culture programming in a setting that feels warm, welcoming and inclusive,” Schryer said, “Social investment is undoubtedly a foundational priority for AlgomaTrad.”
The Centre continues to inspire visitors while strengthening the region’s cultural and tourism offerings. Demand for programming remains strong, with AlgomaTrad’s annual Family Camp selling out in just 36 hours this year.
Looking ahead, the organization is planning a new timber-frame performance and dance hall. This hall, scheduled to begin construction in summer ’27, is an important addition that promises to create even more opportunities for learning, creativity, and community connection.
What began as a vision for a dedicated gathering place has become a thriving cultural hub. With support from FedNor, AlgomaTrad has created a space where people can come together to celebrate heritage arts, build relationships, and ensure these traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
| Client: | AlgomaTrad |
| Project: | Facilities Infrastructure |
| Location: | Richards Landing, St. Joseph Island, ON |
| Program: | Tourism Relief Fund |