My HOME
Renovating Elora’s Historic Commercial Hotel is deeply personal to me because I grew up in this town, surrounded by the beauty of the gorge, the charm of downtown, and the magic of the cinema. As a child, watching films here opened up a whole new world for me. They were my first glimpse into different cultures, places, and ideas far beyond what I knew growing up in a small Canadian town. Now, after having traveled to every continent, I can trace my love for globetrotting back to those early days at the Elora cinema. That’s why saving not just the hotel, but also the theatre - a place that sparked curiosity and imagination for me and many other kids - was so important to me.
Taking on a project like this wasn’t easy. You might say we jumped in without fully realizing the extent of the work: the years of planning, permits, and endless meetings required just to get the go-ahead. There were many moments when it would have been easier to give up, but my love for this space kept me going. I know the hotel represents a piece of Elora’s soul - a place that’s always been more than just a building. It was the social center of our town for decades, a lively hub where people gathered, connected, and found a sense of belonging. In today’s world, where the idea of community feels increasingly at risk, I believe it’s crucial to hold onto places like this, where people can come together, share stories, and feel part of something bigger.
I’ve dedicated much of my life to education, teaching at art schools with hands-on programs that help students find their place in the world. I want this building to offer the same opportunities to others. I want it to be a living, breathing part of Elora’s future - a space where history is respected, but also where new stories are made. Just like in so many small towns across Europe, where the town center is the heart of community life, I want to preserve that sense of togetherness as Elora grows. Restoring this historic building isn’t just about saving it; it’s about ensuring our town remains a place where people feel truly at home - a place where they can live, grow, and experience the true meaning of community.
KAT AND DON
During COVID, my family and I found ourselves stranded in Canada, unable to return to Thailand, where my workshop is and where our daughters attend school. What was supposed to be a short trip back to Canada turned into a three-year stay in the small, beautiful village I grew up in - Elora. My hometown hadn’t changed much. The stunning Gorge, with its many walking trails, still spanned the Grand and Irvine Rivers. The unique artistic shops and galleries still lined the main streets. As I took a breath, the familiar scent filled my lungs, and a feeling I only ever experience when I’m home filled my heart.
You see, my two brothers are buried here, so no matter how far I travel or how many cities I temporarily call home, my true home will always be here with them. I was fortunate that my globetrotting gem-hunting partner, Don, also fell in love with this tiny slice of the world.
During our stay, we couldn’t help but notice the new developments arriving in Elora, but also the remnants of many old, historic buildings. It was as if they had been forgotten, left behind with no purpose in this growing community. My heart ached, and so the seed was planted.
we need to save the cinema...
The most challenging of the five buildings we’ve restored was the historic Commercial Hotel, which included the Gorge Cinema. The state of the building was disastrous. We were so naive - you could say we jumped into it without fully realizing the extent of the work, the years of planning, the permits, and the endless meetings required just to get the go-ahead. There were many moments when it would have been easier to give up, but the love I have for this space kept me going. Don’s constant support and encouragement were truly what made this happen.
I know the hotel represents a piece of Elora’s soul, a place that has always been more than just a building. We both feel incredibly honored to be in a position to bring this space back to life.
