Municipalities share in $44M for infrastructure projects
Fifteen Ontario communities will share in more than $44 million in funding for improvements to cultural, recreational and green infrastructure projects.
The funding from the federal and provincial governments will be put toward 20 projects. The federal government is investing more than $15.3 million in the works, with the Government of Ontario contributing more than $12.8 million. The recipients are contributing a further combined $16.1 million.
At more than $16 million, the largest-valued project sees construction of the Campbellford Recreation and Wellness Centre in the Municipality of Trent Hills. The facility will include an NHL-sized rink, a lane pool, therapy pool, a fitness room and multipurpose room. The governments have also allocated more than $2.6 million for the replacement of the Hastings treated water standpipe, along with 875 metres of watermain. The project will connect the new standpipe to the distribution system.
In the Township of Brock, joint funding will support the expansion and renovation of the Sunderland Memorial Arena & Community Centre to improve accessibility and user experience. The expansion project includes adding six new dressing rooms, a community room, and a storage and ice resurfacer room. The arena ice surface will also be enlarged to meet regulation size, the refrigeration system will be updated, and seating around the arena will be improved. Other renovations will allow for upgrades to the existing building lobby and second floor auditorium.
That project is valued at about $7.5 million.
Also planned is $5 million worth of work in the Town of Georgina. The money will be used to complete renovations to the Barn Area at Clearwater Farm. The project will rehabilitate a barn, construct a new play space, install additional utilities and lighting, improve accessibility (elevator, washrooms, pathways), and expand the parking lot.
A further $2.7 million will be spent on the development of Hallville Community Park in the Township of North Dundas. Work will include drainage and elevation of low-lying areas, electrification, and drilling of a well. In addition, accessible swings and picnic tables, lighted bike and pedestrian paths will be installed along with a parking lot, baseball diamond, soccer field and an outdoor rink with washrooms. The adjacent roadway will also be widened with delineators placed to encourage active transportation, and trees planted throughout the park.
In the Township of North Glengarry, $2.1 million has been allocated to the refurbishment of the Glengarry Sports Palace. The project includes the replacement of a concrete arena slab, rink boards and glass, windows and doors, lighting and a boiler while the spectator seating area and ventilation, plumbing, and electrical systems will also be improved. Other updates involve fire safety upgrades and the addition of a gender inclusive bathroom and players’ rooms.
Other projects will support upgrades to community centres, recreation facilities, cultural buildings, trails and parks, and a library. Additional funding will also support upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure in two communities, improving stormwater management, and providing reliable water supply to residents and businesses.