Ontario community projects share in $6M in funding
A series of Ontario community and recreation infrastructure projects are set to receive more than $6 million in combined funding from the federal and provincial governments.
On August 4, the federal ministry of infrastructure announced joint funding of more than $4.4 million for four projects in the Niagara Region.
Among the projects announced are upgrades to the existing tennis courts and playground at Bogart Street Park in St. Catharines. The $435,000-project involves renovating the tennis courts into a multi-use court to accommodate tennis, basketball and pickleball. The playground will be renovated to improve accessibility, while also relocating the play structure and changing the base from pea gravel to rubber.
In Pelham, more than $3 million in funding will support the rehabilitation of the Marlene Stewart Streit Park. This project includes the rehabilitation of the existing electrical systems and pool house, the replacement of the outdoor pool, a new splash pad and picnic pavilion, and various accessibility improvements to the pool, playground, and adjoining areas.
Additional investments in other recreational infrastructure projects across the region include renovations to the Wainfleet Community Complex, such as upgrades to the sports fields and renovations of the tennis courts, washrooms, and fencing. Also included in the announcement was the play space resurfacing project in the Town of Lincoln, which will help improve active living and provide modern recreation spaces for the community.
The Government of Canada is investing over $2.4 million in these projects through its Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $2 million, while recipients are investing more than $1.6 million in their respective projects.
Meanwhile, the governments also announced funding of more than $2 million for projects in three communities in Eastern Ontario.
In Kingston, funding will support the renovation of the Youth Campus Cultural Community Centre, operated by Home Base Housing, to provide increased access to a safe, supportive and healing community centre for vulnerable and homeless youth.
Work includes converting a church sanctuary into a community centre by removing pews, building a stage, and updating audio visual, lighting, and sound systems, as well as flooring and HVAC requirements. Further renovations to the existing community centre will add 2,500 square feet for new washrooms, a larger kitchen, and a multi-use meeting area. These upgrades will provide area youth with increased opportunities for cultural healing, skill development, socialization, and self expression.
A project in the Township of McNab/Braeside will replace aging recreation infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for a larger and modern support facility for four baseball diamonds. The new building will include more washrooms, increased storage space, and a tournament room for umpires and tournament officials. And in the Township of Head, Clara and Maria, funding will support upgrades to windows, lighting and the heating and cooling systems in the township’s community centre and library.
The federal government is investing more than $1.1 million in the projects, while the province is providing over $941,000, and the remainder of the funding is being provided by recipients.
Featured image: The Home Base Housing project in Kingston aims to convert a church sanctuary into a community centre. (Home Base)