Historic rare properties available again for special occasions

The rare Charitable Research Reserve is partnering with A Perfect Day Inc., to handle the rental of its spaces for public and private events. 

"After shutting down our spaces due to the pandemic, we’re pleased to be opening things up again,” says rare spokesperson James Bow in a press release.

“Interest in spaces like the historic Slit Barn has been very strong, and we’re pleased to work with A Perfect Day to ensure that events at these spaces are properly managed for the benefit of those spaces, the community, and the wider public.”

Under the partnership, A Perfect Day will handle requests to rent out spaces on rare’s property and use of its historical buildings for parties, weddings, and other events.

Among the popular spaces available for rent include the historic 1840s Slit Barn, a stone structure at 768 Blair Road that rare restored and renovated to preserve the building, which can now also host large gatherings.

“Before the pandemic, a traditional Barn Dance was held there,” notes Stephanie Sobek-Swant, executive director at rare. “We’ve since opened the space to the public for display and encourage its use for events, such as the Spring Plant Sale and EcoMarket, as well as in-person Conversations for Conservation seminars.”

“It’s a tremendous place, airy and cool and quite light, and isolated from the sounds of traffic thanks to its thick stone walls,” Bow adds. “The structure is fascinating to look at. It’s clearly been built to stand the tests of time.”

“Our spaces have been consistently under high demand for weddings, company parties, photography sessions and even film shoots,” says Sobek-Swant.

For rare, this arrangement helps the organization manage its mandate of protecting natural spaces in Waterloo region and Wellington county, for the benefit of the environment and the community.

“These spaces are vital because they protect the health of the environment and they offer the community something they wouldn’t have in an urbanized setting,” says Sobek-Swant. “When photographers come to take pictures in these spaces, they understand how valuable these spaces are.”

As an urban land trust and environmental institute, the rare Charitable Research Reserve protects over 1,200 acres of environmentally sensitive lands throughout Waterloo region and Wellington county while engaging with the community to help build support for understanding the importance of protecting these lands.

The reserve maintains over 12 kilometres of trails and runs research and education programs to build an appreciation of these lands for everyone’s health and well-being now and for generations to follow.