Twelve area projects are getting funding through Fednor. Yesterday at the Rosseau Memorial Hall, Minister of Small Business and Tourism Bardish Chagger announced funding from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to 12 area projects. Chagger highlighted some of the projects including the largest investment.
Seguin Mayor Bruce Gibbon says he knows first-hand how these investments will help the local economy and local communities.
The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program is designed to leave a lasting legacy by supporting the rehabilitation or improvement of existing community infrastructure assets and facilities across the country that promote community and cultural benefits for the public.
Here is a complete list of projects announced yesterday:
Township of Seguin $100,000
An investment of $100,000 will enable the Township of Seguin to undertake renovations to the Rosseau Memorial Hall to improve the accessibility of the building. The hall is an active hub of the community, housing a public library, and hosting early-years programming, seniors’ events, an annual music festival, theatre productions and various community functions.
Township of Lake of Bays $80,000
The Township of Lake of Bays will receive $80,000 to rehabilitate the Baysville west dock walkway by replacing existing wood pilings and the concrete walkway. Rehabilitation of this infrastructure will allow for safe access by residents and tourists using the walkway for recreational enjoyment and to visit businesses along the waterfront.
Municipality of Whitestone $68,000
The Municipality of Whitestone will receive $68,000 for improvements to the existing pavilion facility at the local arena. Specifically, this investment will support upgrades to washrooms, change room facilities, flooring, a septic field bed, the water supply, as well as provide accessibility for persons with disabilities. The benefits of this project will include increased attendance and use of the facility, improved access for persons with disabilities, increased safety, improved energy efficiency, and the extension of the facility’s useful life.
Town of Gravenhurst $60,500
An investment of $60,500 will enable the Town of Gravenhurst to repair and replace exterior brick, mortar and concrete on portions of Gravenhurst’s downtown Opera House Theatre. This project will assist in preserving the structural integrity of this heritage building, originally constructed in 1901. The Opera House acts as a significant cultural centre and downtown tourism attraction for the community, hosting concerts, theatre productions and other events such as fundraisers for local service clubs.
Township of Muskoka Lakes $51,000
The Township of Muskoka Lakes will receive $51,000 to make repairs to their Visitor Information Centre, including replacing windows, wood siding, soffit and fascia. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Port Carling which boasts architectural elements of the 1890s, the information centre provides necessary services to the community and tourists, as well as to the business community.
Wasauksing First Nation $45,000
An investment of $45,000 will enable Wasauksing First Nation to expand its current outdoor sports facility, including the construction of a soccer field and the creation of a new parking area. The facility will benefit the entire community, helping promote healthy living, and will also enable Wasauksing First Nation to engage neighbouring communities to use the newly expanded facility as part of sports leagues, tournaments and events.
Township of Armour $40,469
The Township of Armour will receive $40,469 to revitalize the municipally owned Katrine Community Centre, which has been a hub for community activities since its creation in 1963. The improvements will include renovating the interior to increase the occupancy capacity and purchasing new kitchen equipment. These updates will greatly improve the experience for the many community organizations, allow for larger events, while the kitchen equipment will lower energy consumption and modernize the working space for event coordinators.
Township of McKellar $27,450
An investment of $27,450 will enable the Township of McKellar to grade, level and pave a parking lot that services the Community Centre, public library, township beach, baseball diamond, post office, youth room, museum and outdoor multi-use facility. The paved lot will provide easier access for residents and visitors to the facilities, including those with mobility issues, and will enhance snow removal in the winter.
Dorset Community Partnership Fund $20,700
The Dorset Community Partnership Fund will receive $20,700 to renovate the entrance to the Dorset Community Health Care Hub. The front porch will be expanded to a four-season room to create separation of the entrance from the waiting area, adjacent examination rooms and access to the seminar/training room. The Hub is a learning, clinical and social services facility, and the improvements will provide easier access to services for citizens of the community, including seniors, youth and veterans.
Lake of Bays Marine Museum and Navigation Society $19,500
An investment of $19,500 will enable the Lake of Bays Marine Museum and Navigation Society to improve access to the second floor, upgrade the interior of the facility, and increase display capacity for its collection, which has grown to exceed available display space. The museum and the SS Bigwin ship operate together as a major tourism draw for the Dwight, Dorset and Bayville area. These improvements will enhance the experience for residents and tourists alike, serving to further recognize the importance of marine transportation as part of the region’s heritage.
Huntsville Public Library $16,942
The Huntsville Public Library will receive $16,942 to renovate a multipurpose room to include the installation of acoustical sound panels, custom blinds to manage lighting, and a ceiling-mounted video projector. The improvements will create a modern space for use by not-for-profit and other community groups, increasing the opportunity to connect and create new partnerships. The project will result in increased visitors, promoting the use of the library.
Hurdville Community Club $2,050
The Hurdville Community Club will receive $2,050 to rehabilitate its building, a long-standing one-room school house that was constructed in 1898. The project will include improvements to the existing kitchen foundation and floor, ensuring the facility’s useful life is extended well into the future so that the community can continue to rely on it as a central location for community events, social activities and volunteerism.