Two local development projects are getting a provincial funding boost through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).
Parry Sound-Muskoka MPP Graydon smith announced on April 14 the province is investing $544,350, with $450,000 earmarked for Seguin Township’s Humphrey Community Centre and $94,350 for Parry Sound’s Bobby Orr Hall of Fame.
“This investment into West Parry Sound reflects our government’s commitment to ensuring rural and northern communities have the resources they require to grow and prosper. We’re making targeted investments into people, businesses and infrastructure that will facilitate economic growth and increase the quality of life for local residents,” Smith said.
According to Smith, Seguin will use the funds to replace the Humphrey Community Centre roof to create a safer environment for visitors and staff, extend the facility’s lifespan and make it more energy efficient. Ann MacDiarmid, Mayor of Seguin Township, says the township is very grateful for the grant.
“Our Community Center and arena are vital to the lifeblood of the community. The arena was built in, and has its original roof from, the 70s, so it’s time to replace it for safety. The provincial support is much appreciated and frankly needed. The money is coming from the Community Support Infrastructure Fund from the provincial government,” MacDiarmid says.
She says the total cost of the new roof is $600,000, with the Township contributing the remaining $150,000.
“The work is to start as soon as possible. The supplies are in. We’re just waiting for an engineering certificate on the weight, and it should be completed by August. But if the work is slower [than expected] it will not affect the opening of the arena in the summer,” MacDiarmid says.
As for Parry Sound, Smith says the money will go towards modernizing and redesigning the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame to create new exhibit space and make the hall more energy efficient.
In a statement, Jamie McGarvey, Parry Sound Mayor, said receiving this grant for the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame exhibition redevelopment has made a significant impact on the project.
“We were faced with escalating material costs and inflationary pressures after the budget was established. NOHFC funding ensured we were able to execute the redevelopment without compromising on our vision in the face of rising costs,” McGarvey said.
Smith says this investment is meant to improve municipal infrastructure, boost tourism, and improve quality of life in Northeastern Ontario.