History
2001
In February 2001 the Chelsea Foundation launched the New Pioneers Campaign to raise the funds needed to meet its obligations to Mrs. Meredith and secure the 20 acres of land in perpetuity for community recreation purposes in Chelsea. The campaign called on residents to become “New Pioneers” in building Chelsea’s future in the year of the village’s centennial.
The Municipality built the first soccer field and the Foundation spent the next two years fulfilling the conditions in the initial agreement with Mrs. Meredith. The access road was built to Municipal standards (thanks to generous pro-bono contributions from heavy equipment operator Ron McCambley) and considerable efforts were invested by a range of professionals (landscape architects and engineers) on a pro-bono basis to get Municipal approval for the subdivision of what was to become Quartier Meredith. Unfortunately, the subdivision proposal failed to achieve final approval from the Planning Committee because engineering firms were unable to produce satisfactory percolation tests for the septic fields. This was one of the first indications that the undeveloped lands along Old Chelsea road were not suitable for septic systems. Fortunately for the Foundation, Mrs. Meredith waved the condition of subdivision approval for completion of the land transfer agreement thereby allowing the sale to proceed.
1998
In May of 1998, Chelsea residents formed a committee to address the pressing recreational needs of the rapidly growing community. December 1998, the Committee produced a Vision statement that proposed mobilizing the community around “the construction of a community recreation centre by and for the residents… a project that would not only begin to address some of the more pressing recreational needs but could also become the heart of the community, and a meeting place and an important catalyst in strengthening Chelsea's community identity and spirit.”
1999
In January 1999, the Chelsea Foundation was formally created at a public meeting at Camp Fortune and a Board of Directors elected and steps immediately undertaken to apply for charitable organization status with the Canada Revenue Agency.
2000
In January 2000, following a year of discussions, the Chelsea Foundation reached agreement with Mrs. Elizabeth Meredith on the combination sale and donation of 20 acres of land to the Foundation.
2003
In September of 2003 the Board of Directors of the Chelsea Foundation paid Mrs. Elizabeth Joan Meredith (née McNally) an amount of SIXTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($60,000) cash and an amount of FOUR HUNDRED FORTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($440,000) in the form of a charitable donation tax receipt for the approximately 20 acres of land described in the original agreement. As official owner of the land the Foundation then transferred the access road to the Municipality.
2009
In 2009, Foundation applies and is successful in getting matching grants from the province and the federal govt in the amount of approx. $6million with the municipality having to pay ⅓ of the cost of the Meredith Centre.
2010
In 2010, a new capital campaign is launched by the foundation and raises through the community another $600,000 to help underwrite the cost of construction. Over the next two years final plans and design for the Meredith Centre are completed.
2012
In 2012, the Meredith Centre opens its doors.
2013
In the winter of 2013, the Meredith Centre hosted and house the Nishiyuu walkers. Over the next number of years to present the Meredith Center is the hub for community recreation in Chelsea offering a full range of services and programs to the community.
2022
In 2022, Chelsea Foundation celebrates 10 years of managing and operating the Centre Meredith. Chelsea Foundation celebrates 25 years of serving our community.
2023
In 2023, the Chelsea Foundation celebrates the first annual Chelsea Wall of Fame honouring those in our community who have played a role as community builders and involved in sports as elite athletes, coaches or organizers.