Ottawa, Guelph, Etobicoke projects share funding dollars
The federal and provincial governments have announced a series of investments in community, recreational and cultural infrastructure in a number of Ontario communities.
In Guelph, the governments recently announced more than $6 million in combined funding for three culture and community infrastructure projects.
The first project announced is the renovation and expansion of the Elora Community Centre. The $5-million project includes the replacement of the arena floor, board and glass, in addition to the refrigeration system, and upgrades to the front entrance, dressing rooms, viewing areas, washrooms, doorways and corridors to improve accessibility.
The project’s scope of work also includes the installation of an emergency generator, solar panels, and the construction of a new mechanical and ice resurfacer room.
A further $3 million in funding will also support the renovation and expansion of the YMCA of Three Rivers in Guelph. That project involves a three-storey addition to the YMCA, which will add a footprint of 2,000 square feet to the facility. Additional renovations include the installation of fully accessible private changing stalls and relocating the customer service desk.
Finally, about $550,000 has been allocated for the rehabilitation of a 100-year-old church building and the addition of a three-storey community centre to allow HOPE House to improve and expand its services for residents in Guelph. The scope of the work includes masonry upgrades and the rehabilitation of the building's flat roof.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $3.4 million toward the projects, with the province providing over $2.8 million. A further $2.2 million is being provided by the Township of Centre Wellington, the YMCA of Three Rivers, and HOPE House.
Meanwhile, in Ottawa, three community and culture infrastructure projects will share in more than $5.7 million from the federal government and the province.
The first project involves modernizing the Optimiste Park – Genest Outdoor Pool to improve accessibility, and provide a safer experience for swimmers. Project work will include replacing and expanding the pool basin to a 25-metre basin, installing a new pool deck, and creating accessible changerooms, pathways, and pool entrances. That project is valued at approximately $5 million.
A further $1.1 million in funding will support renovations to the bowling room at the Vanier Community Service Centre. Lanes and seating will be removed to transform the room into a multi-purpose space that can accommodate a wider variety of community programing and activities. Windows and two additional exits will also be installed to provide better accessibility, and meet safety standards.
Finally, the Youville Community Centre will receive $1.7 million in funding for a new roof, an upgraded HVAC system, and improved thermal efficiency to provide a more comfortable and energy-efficient facility for staff and clients.
"This funding helps to provide much-needed updates in these important community spaces,” said Rideau-Vanier Ward Councillor Mathieu Fleury. “Each one serves as a community hub, bringing residents together to connect, stay healthy and access important community programming, all while strengthening our neighbourhood."
And in Etobicoke, three community recreation projects will share in more than $6 million in funding.
One of the projects includes implementing updates to the Norseman Community Pool. Upgrades involve replacing the roof, mechanical and electrical updates to the HVAC system and important accessibility improvements to the pool's change rooms to include the participation of even more residents. The project will increase the pool's longevity, and improve accessibility. The value of that project is approximately $4.9 million.
A further $4.2 million will be spent on upgrades to the Sir Adam Beck and Rosedale artificial ice rinks. The scope of work includes the replacement of refrigeration plants, upgrades to mechanical rooms, construction of new concrete pads, accessibility improvements, and the installation of dasher boards.
"Recreation facilities across our city provide kids, youth and families a great way to stay healthy, learn new skills and socialize with others,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “Ensuring that they are maintained to meet the needs of our residents means that they can be enjoyed for generations to come."