Five communities in the greater Kawarthas region are among 15 across Ontario receiving a total of $44 million in joint provincial and federal funding to improve cultural and recreational facilities and green infrastructure.
The funding was announced on Thursday (April 29) as part of the federal Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, which is cost-shared with provinces and municipalities.
Cavan-Monaghan Township, Trent Hills, Haliburton County, Minden Hills, and Dysart et al will collectively receive almost $13 million in joint provincial and federal funding for nine projects, with the municipalities contributing another $10.5 million.
Trent Hills will receive the largest portion of the joint provincial and federal funding, with $7.5 million going towards the construction of the new multi-purpose Campbellford Recreation and Wellness Centre, which will include an NHL-sized rink and an aquatics centre with both a lane pool and smaller therapy pool, as well as a complete fitness centre.
The new facility, which will be operated jointly by YMCA Northumberland and the Municipality of Trent Hills, will replace the existing Campbellford Arena. Trent Hills is contributing $8.6 million to the project.
Trent Hills will also receive $1.9 million in joint provincial and federal funding to replace the treated water standpipe in the Village of Hastings.
Minden Hills will receive $1.7 million in joint provincial and federal funding for two projects: rehabilitating the Kinark Outdoor Centre and improving accessibility at the Minden Library and the Cultural Centre, the Lochlin Community Centre and Irondale Community Centre, and the Minden Curling Club building.
Cavan-Monaghan Township will receive $1.2 million for three projects: rehabilitating the historic Old Millbrook School, renovating the Millbrook Arena, and renovating the Bruce Johnston Branch of Cavan Monaghan Libraries.
The Municipality of Dysart et al will receive almost $220,000 to rehabilitate Rotary Beach Park in the village of Haliburton, and Haliburton County will receive almost $200,000 to upgrade the Haliburton County Rail Trail Corridor.
Details of each project are provided below.
Municipality of Trent Hills – Construction of the Campbellford Recreation and Wellness Centre
Funding will support the construction of a new multipurpose recreation facility. Work includes building an NHL-sized rink, a lane pool, therapy pool, a fitness room, and multipurpose room. This will provide residents, and surrounding communities, with improved access to modern recreational facilities.
Municipality of Trent Hills – Replacement of the Hastings Treated Water Standpipe
The project will replace a standpipe along with 875 metres of water main to connect the new standpipe to the distribution system. The replacement will improve water pressure, support better fire protection and ensure a safe, secure and reliable water supply.
Township of Minden Hills – Kinark Outdoor Centre Rehabilitation
Project scope includes constructing an additional respite dorm; and improving the safety and accessibility of indoor and outdoor spaces like trails, waterfront areas, and classrooms. Other improvements will extend the service life of the dining hall and laundry facilities and provide winterization and accessibility to sleeping cabins. The project will increase the seasonal capacity of the facility and provide greater access to preventative respite for children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Township of Minden Hills – Rehabilitation of Minden Hills Community Facilities for Accessibility
Project work will improve four facilities:
- The Minden Library/Cultural Centre: upgrade the condition of retaining walls, stairs, ramps, the sidewalk and platforms around the Library and Cultural building; replacing guardrails and handrails.
- The Lochlin Community Centre and Irondale Community Centre: upgrade accessibility by replacing the ramp and installing an automatic door operator.
- Minden Curling Club Building: installing an elevator and air lock at the front of the building.
These improvements will provide the associated communities with safer and more accessible entrances to community spaces, meeting current Ontario Building Code standards, while extending the life of these facilities.
Township of Cavan-Monaghan – Rehabilitation of the historically designated Old Millbrook School
Project work will include replacing the roof and windows with energy efficient alternatives; repairing damaged walls, floors, and doors; installing a new ventilation and air exchanger system; and installing battery-operated accessible doors. These improvements will provide year-round access to indoor space for various social groups and services, while improving access to quality community, cultural and recreational infrastructure.
Township of Cavan-Monaghan – Renovation of the Millbrook Arena to a multipurpose community hub
Project work consists of the rehabilitation of existing steel girders, beams, walls and floors; converting the concession stand into accessible washrooms; and replacing the existing roof with an energy efficient alternative. An air ventilation system will also be installed to improve air quality. Once complete this facility will provide a space for year-round sports programming and community social activities.
Township of Cavan-Monaghan – Revisioning the Bruce Johnston Branch as a Community Hub
This project will renovate the existing library to create a more accessible, functional, and energy efficient space. Work includes changing windows and doors, re-wiring the electrical system, relocating the public computer area and staff spaces, and renovating staff work zones to be more ergonomic, accessible, and functional. These renovations will provide a larger, more flexible space for clients and staff, improving the library experience and working environment.
Municipality of Dysart et Al – Rotary Beach Park Rehabilitation
Project work will improve overall park infrastructure, which includes repairing the surface of tennis, basketball, and pickle ball courts; improving the accessibility of pathways, docks, courts, and picnic areas; and rehabilitating the exterior of the storage building. Further improvements include installing a play structure, a rain garden, a bike rack, and creating an off-leash dog park. A tree study will also take place to ensure adequate management of shade, soil water retention, and erosion control. A WiFi network will also be established. These improvements will provide an accessible, modern, and safe recreation area for residents and visitors, while supporting various community, cultural and sporting events.
County of Haliburton – Upgrading of the Haliburton County Rail Trail Corridor
The project work includes improving 30 kilometres of trail with granular overlay; installing 15 benches, 500 meters of barrier, and informational signage to highlight trail history, the natural environment, and trail accessibility. This project will provide an improved recreational experience for users, while reducing annual maintenance costs.
