Town of Innisfil opens outdoor community fridge in Cookstown

Innisfil, ON – The Town of Innisfil, Innisfil ideaLAB & Library and members of the community celebrated the grand opening of the outdoor Troy Scott Community Fridge in Cookstown this week. The fridge moved from its temporary home inside the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library’s Cookstown branch to its permanent home outdoors earlier this week, now offering residents 24/7, low-barrier, dignified access to food.

The Town established the first Innisfil Community Fridge in June 2021 as a neighbours helping neighbours initiative to increase access to nutritious food and support local food security. Since then, the project has been re-named to honour the memory of resident, business owner, and community builder Troy Scott, and has expanded to a total of three community fridges and pantries. Together, the fridges have seen over 10,000 food and essential items donated and distributed to Innisfil residents.

“Council agreed that this dedication seems so appropriate given Troy’s connection with Foodland in Cookstown and Stroud,” says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “As a community we relied on, and were touched by, Troy’s generosity and we hope the Troy Scott Community Fridges will carry on his legacy of kindness and community support.”

Troy's father Bill was present for the event and a statement from Troy's daughters Taylor and Ashley was read, with all family members expressing their gratitude to the community for helping to keep Troy's spirit of generosity alive.

The event also served as an opportunity to celebrate community fridge supporters Kevin Wilson of Alcona Home Hardware for donating materials to protect the fridges, Nantyr Shores Secondary School students and teacher Neal Mount for building the structure, and Sarah Prentice and Ryan Sharp whose hospitality classes prepared and donated over 250 meals to the community fridges.

Other notable supporters recognized at the event include Friday Harbour, for their weekly produce donation from Friday Harbour Fine Foods, the Innisfil Seed Library for their gardening programs, the Rotary Club of Innisfil for their continued donations and support, and all Innisfil residents who have contributed to the fridges.

“None of this would be possible without the support of our community,” said Mayor Lynn Dollin. “It is incredible to see residents’ passion for food security and community support come to life through the Troy Scott Community Fridges.”

Find information about Troy Scott Community Fridge locations and donation guidelines.