George Brown College students with mental health and addiction histories build therapeutic cabin for people with similar challenges

Augmented Education Construction Craftworker cabin project, June 2022

A group of George Brown College students with histories of mental health and addiction challenges completed the construction of a therapeutic cabin to help people with similar challenges. They persevered to overcome a significant setback thrown at them by Mother Nature during the build. 

The seven students who built the cabin have now completed the Construction Craftworker Foundations program, a free Augmented Education program offered at the Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies for people who've experienced complex mental health challenges and addiction. The program prepares students to find and maintain employment in the construction industry and teaches carpentry, masonry and metal cutting skills and renovation techniques. 

Construction progress derailed by a fierce windstorm 

Construction started in April and was moving along well until May 21, when a powerful storm knocked over trees that crushed the cabin in Clarington, Ont. In just 10 minutes, the group's work was ruined, and the construction project temporarily transformed into a demolition. The team salvaged the material and then started again. 

The students successfully and skillfully completed a 24' by 12' cabin on land owned by Melena Gibner. She's converting her property into a wellness retreat called The Mystic Pines, where retired racehorses roam, and visitors can rent cabins to unwind and enjoy nature. Despite such a massive setback, the team finished the work not far off their original end-of-June deadline. 

A 'life-changing' experience 

Student Brandon Goncalves said this work-integrated learning opportunity was a transformative and confidence-building experience.  

"It's been life-changing," he said, adding that he came into the program without experience. "Within a short time, I've grown in my skills and confidence in using the tools." 

And when the storm destroyed the students' work, Goncalves saw it as an opportunity to learn new skills. 

"I got to learn how to use a chainsaw," he said, "and found out how precise you need to be with that tool." 

Program Job Coach Gianni Rotondo drove the students to and from the site each workday and provided support during the build. He said this project provided students with invaluable real-life learning. 

"The students came in very green; some didn't know how to use a cordless drill properly," he said. "And now they're finishing off a deck. They've learned in leaps and bounds." 

The students celebrated their accomplishment at a barbecue on site in June with Susan Toews, Dean of the Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies and other college representatives. They completed the finishing touches on July 13, including adding a plaque commemorating the students and program.  

In June, CEWIL Canada (Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning) announced $18,000 in funding for the cabin project to cover transportation costs, including van rental, gas expenses, and student snacks.

First-of-its-kind project for Augmented Education 

The cabin build was the first off-campus project in the Construction Craftworker Foundations program. It came about due to delayed access to lab space at Casa Loma Campus because of the pandemic. Augmented Education Program Manager Suzanne De Freitas said that because this project was so successful, her team will likely plan a similar work-integrated learning opportunity. 

She said this project is particularly special because others will benefit from the students' work, whereas in the labs, they create a project, take it apart and move on to the next project. 

"In this case, they're building a structure. They're trying to make it as perfect as possible, and then it is staying there for them to see," she said. "So, they look at it with great pride and accomplishment."