$35M invested in 35 Ontario projects
The federal and provincial governments announced funding of more than $35 million for a series of recreational and community infrastructure projects across Ontario on July 6.
The projects vary in size, scope and location, with the smallest—in the Township of Hudson—valued at just over $85,000. The largest—in Tillsonburg—is valued at just over $5 million. A complete list of the projects is available on the Government of Canada’s website.
Among the projects is the Centennial Grounds Sports and Culture revitalization project in the Township of St. Joseph. The project involves the construction of a new screened room for cultural events, washroom and shower facilities, as well as shade structures to support multiday cultural and sporting events. Work also involves the installation of new topsoil and grass for grounds field and corral areas, and the expansion of a corral area for an additional soccer field. Once completed, this project will allow the Centennial Grounds to accommodate further community sports and cultural events.
In Tillsonburg, funding will support the rehabilitation of the Tillsonburg Community Centre. The project includes replacing the pool area tile floors, upgrades to the pool roof, lighting, health club and sauna. Work will also expand the pool’s change rooms to allow for family and gender-neutral accessibility, the installation of a new ramp entry into the pool, and the construction of a 3,600-square foot outdoor splash pad. The project will improve accessibility and increase the quality of community and recreational infrastructure by providing residents access to an improved and accessible pool and modern outdoor facilities.
A third project, in Hornepayne, sees the community arena transformed into a community centre and hub. The scope of the project includes upgrading the existing hockey arena, curling club, and youth space, and expanding the community centre to add a seniors’ socialization space with a community kitchen, a public library, fitness facility and a multiuse gym and meeting space. This work will provide residents with access to increased opportunities for sports, recreation, and cultural activities in an accessible and modern community centre.
“Ensuring Ontarians have access to recreational infrastructure is vital for community well-being and development,” said federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna. “Today’s investment in 35 recreation, community, and cultural projects across Ontario will provide thousands of residents access to modern recreational infrastructure where they can come together to create new connections, maintain healthy and active lifestyles and enjoy valued social and recreational programs. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
Additional investments in other recreational infrastructure projects include upgrades to community trail systems and parks, accessibility improvements to community centres, arenas, pools, and sports fields, and upgrades to local theatres and other cultural facilities.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $19.1 million in the projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing over $15.9 million, while recipients are investing over $13 million in their respective projects.
Through the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government will invest more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. Across Ontario, the federal government has invested more than $14.1 billion in over 3,300 projects.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Canada has contributed $9.7 billion to 3,500 infrastructure projects across the country.
Featured image: Tillsonburg Community Centre. (Township of Tillsonburg)