Several Ontario community projects have received some much-needed renovation and expansion funding from the federal and provincial governments

In a series of announcements in early April, projects in Ottawa, Burlington, Brampton and Waterloo Region received more than $22 million in combined funding to build, renovate and expand a host of community facilities.

The Region of Waterloo received the largest share of the funding dollars – $12.7 million – and will use the funding to support work at 10 community projects. The project recipients are also contributing a combined $4.6 million to the work.

The projects include the rehabilitation of the heritage designated West Montrose Covered Bridge in the Township of Woolwich.

Work will include removing and replacing steel bailey trusses with concealed steel girders, repairing and replacing the roof, and reinstalling the fire alarm system. While under construction, the bridge will be temporarily supported to preserve its structural integrity and heritage design.

Other projects include: the renovation and rehabilitation of the AR Kaufman YMCA, reconstruction and accessibility renovations at THEMUSEUM, construction of a multi-use trail to connect the Iron Horse Trail with the future King Victoria Transit Hub, renovations and upgrades at the Puslinch Community Centre, and construction of a new community mental health recreation hub.

"The West Montrose Covered Bridge is an iconic landmark in the Region of Waterloo, and beyond,” said regional chair Karen Redmond. “This funding will allow us to complete critical upgrades to ensure its heritage and cultural impact is preserved for our community to enjoy for many years. A new multi-use trail in downtown Kitchener will create a safe and active route for residents to access the future King Victoria Transit Hub, planned for construction in 2021, and will provide a connection to the popular Iron Horse Trail."

A complete list of the Waterloo Region projects is available on the province’s website.

In Burlington, the governments have provided a combined $3.5 million for the revitalization of the downtown Civic Square.

The work involves the replacement of the existing pavement and stairs with a new, fully accessible and barrier-free surface. The existing fountain will be replaced with a new water feature, and trees will be planted to provide a healthy canopy. Further, new seating will be installed, and the outdoor mechanical and electrical systems upgraded.

The City of Burlington is contributing a further $1.3 million to the work, which it says will help make the Civic Square an accessible, safe and inclusive gathering and event space.

"Burlington's Civic Square is a beloved gathering space where our entire community comes together for countless events including flag raisings, concerts, festivals and friendship,” said Mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “The investment in its revitalization will create even more opportunity for the community to connect and engage with one another for decades to come."

In Ottawa, the governments will provide $3.2 million to renovate and expand the Kanata Recreation Centre. The City of Ottawa will contribute a further $1.2 million to the project.

The project will renovate and expand the Kanata Recreation Centre and splash pad by adding new meeting and program rooms, updating the interior, installing an emergency exit stairwell to increase program capacity, upgrading the facility's lobby by adding a customer service centre and vestibule, and improving and enlarging the nearby splash pad at Walter Baker Park.

"Our city’s recreation centres are at the heart of our communities, with many residents using these facilities to improve their health, as well as to connect with others,” said Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson. “The improvements being made to the Kanata Recreation Centre will be beneficial for our residents for generations to come."

Finally, in Brampton, $3 million has been made available from the senior levels of government for the for the rehabilitation of The Rose performing-arts theatre.

The project will involve various accessibility upgrades, which include installing climb-assist railings in the upper balcony, replacing a portion of the current fixed seating with removable seating, upgrading and placing emergency alarms in the washrooms, and adding a wheelchair lift.

Other work will include upgrading theatre lighting to LED technology, automating the current rigging system, and updating video infrastructure from analog to digital.

"Since it first opened in 2006, The Rose has become a cornerstone of our community’s culture, and has made downtown Brampton a more vibrant place to gather, enjoy, and build memories together,” said Brampton South MPP Prabmeet Sarkaria. “This investment will help maintain The Rose as a venue to showcase local and world-renowned performers, and ensure that once doors reopen, The Rose will be enjoyed by our community for years to come."

The City of Brampton will contribute over $1.5 million to the project.