The Coldwater Ranch has been in high demand since opening its doors in October.

The ranch is operated by the Abilitas Foundation to provide a space of rest and relaxation for people living with disabilities and their
families to use for free.

Currently, there are about 79 applications to book time at the respite facility, Abilitas representative Brad Vis said.

“It’s insane. There is so much demand for this place,” Vis said.

He said the foundation hasn’t done any advertising for the facility, but people from all over the province are inquiring about the respite facility.

In June, the facility had 46 confirmed bookings, an Abilitas press release stated.

“It’s booking fast,” Vis said.

He said the facility is being used by locals as well.

About four groups can be housed at the ranch at one time, Vis said.

In June, Abilitas hosted the Redneck Rally Race at the Coldwater Ranch to raise funds to pay for operational costs of the facility.

The event raised $10,000.

There were about 17 teams in the event all driving stock Volkswagens without modifications, Vis said. Locals Chris Voigt and Jon Galbraith won the race.

This event was the inaugural Redneck Rally Race, Vis said, adding organizers plan to hold the event again next June.

As the foundation and the ranch are volunteer-run, they depend on charitable events such as the Redneck Rally to raise funds to cover operational costs.

Vis said it costs approximately $50,000 per year to keep operational.

The next step for the Coldwater Ranch will be to raise funds to pay for phase two of the respite facility, which involves finishing construction on the basement, Vis said.