$48M invested in Ontario community centres
The federal and provincial governments announced combined investments of nearly $50 million in a series of community recreational facilities in Belleville, Parry Sound and Huron East.
The announcements were made on June 7.
In Belleville, $22.4 million is being directed toward the construction of a new YMCA Centre for Life.
The new facility will include two pools, a gymnasium, an exercise studio, a conditioning centre with focus on youth and senior programing, and locker rooms with universal and family change rooms. It will also house social and educational community programming and meeting areas, including spaces for those with physical and mental disabilities.
Once complete, the new YMCA Centre for Life will enable the YMCA of Central East Ontario and its partners to increase access to fitness, recreation, and community services for Belleville residents and those in the Quinte region. The facility will provide greater access to modern and affordable recreation and community services, while creating a welcoming and respectful space for all members of the community.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $8.9 million in the project through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $7.4 million, while the YMCA of Central East Ontario is contributing over $5.9 million.
"This exciting project will transform the west end of Belleville by creating an accessible hub for active living and community services,” said Quinte Bay MPP Todd Smith. “The pools, gymnasium and programming spaces will provide recreation and socialization opportunities for people of all ages within our community."
In Parry Sound, the governments announced a combined $23.3 million for construction of a new, unnamed, recreational facility.
The building’s conceptual design calls for a 25-metre, multi-lane lap pool, and a warm water therapy/leisure pool. It will also include a gym, a fitness and conditioning centre and studio, an indoor walking track, various multi-purpose rooms, space for Indigenous programming, and inclusive change rooms.
The federal government is investing over $12.7 million in the facility, while the province is providing over $10.6 million, and seven area municipalities are jointly contributing more than $8.5 million.
Finally, in the Municipality of Huron East, the governments are funding the expansion and renovation of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre.
The facility will be expanded to include an enhanced fitness centre, kitchen facilities, auditorium and new dressing rooms that meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements. With this funding, Huron East will also replace the aging facility roof.
The federal government is investing over $1.9 million in the project, with the province adding over $1.5 million, and Huron East more than $1.2 million.