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.