Reference

NEWS FROM THE CENTRE

5 issues per year

DECEMBER 2025

FINANCIAL AND MAINTENANCE NEWS

It’s been 15 years since Dhamma Suttama came to Montebello and the Foundation’s debt is now less then $800 000. This represents a huge success in and of itself, and it’s all due to your contributions of time and money.

Even more impressive is the fact that this debt reduction occurred while major system upgrade projects were undertaken (such as wastewater treatment), and let’s not forget the continuous improvements for the wellbeing of meditators, course servers, and long-term servers. And recently, professionals were called in for foundation waterproofing and roof repairs.

The Maintenance Committee is now preparing a new work cycle with it’s Grand Renovation Project to diminish the carbon footprint of the Centre by meeting better thermal insulation standards, thereby decreasing electric heating costs. In order to do so, all windows need to be replaced as well as the exterior cladding, once the walls have been insulated. After that, the heating system, the ventilation system, and the air-conditioning system will be re-evaluated, adapted, and added to, to be better adapted to the climate changes of the coming years.

This project is in its initial stages of evaluations and submissions, for which the Centre hopes to qualify for government grants, both provincial and federal, as the buildings have been classified of public utility. More to follow.

FALL SEASONAL WORK PERIOD

Over forty people (and a wild turkey!) participated in September’s Seasonal Work Period; fifteen of them staying full-time. Many jobs were undertaken, some finalized, and others put off until the May 2026 Service Period. Here’s an overview:

Repair and Painting

- Many small repairs to walls

- Cleaning, sanitation and painting of the kitchen cleaning-supply area where the compost bins are stored

- Jobs to safeguard stairs and other areas

Roofs

- The generator's cabin's roof was repaired by volunteers

- The women's meditation hall roof was repaired by professionals

Mechanical Maintenance

- Verification and upgrade of Centre's vehicles

Horticulture

- Cleaning and landscaping of flowerbeds

- Tree pruning

General Maintenance

- Numerous small maintenance jobs

- Preparation of winter equipment

Housekeeping

- Complete cleaning, washing and sanitizing of...
... covers, cushion covers, mattress covers and pillow covers
... bathroom walls, hallways and ceilings
... windows of bedrooms and common areas

- Kitchen cleaned inside and out!