Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford was in the Rainy River District last Friday announcing funding for a variety of projects that will make community facilities more accessible for people with disabilities.
In Alberton, Millennium Park will receive enhancements to allow people to safely access the lower portion of the park around the ice rink and rink shack. A paved accessible unloading area will also be part of the project, which CAO/Clerk-Treasurer Lisa Sheppard hopes can get underway next spring as soon as the ground thaws.
“The Township of Alberton is receiving $177,959 to build a wheelchair ramp from the parking lot to the ice rink and bathrooms at its outdoor recreation park, as well as buy and install more games at the playground,” said a release from the Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth.
While on site, MPP Rickford remembered how Millennium Park was once a vacant, muddy lot that Alberton, with the assistance of the provincial and federal governments, has now built into a real asset for the residents of Alberton.
“Folks, just take a minute to look around this place,” Rickford said to a gathered group of residents. “This is amazing, and it’s the kind of asset that brings pride and community health to the fore, right? A place for us all to gather, and regardless of your age, you have an opportunity to do something in this park.”
Rickford said, doing some rough math, that with the new funding, about $1 million has been put into the park by the government over the years.
In a written statement, Alberton mayor Mike Ford said creating spaces for everyone’s needs helps build the whole community.
“Creating environments that meet the needs of all users enhances participation and wellness and strengthens community,” Ford said. The park is a year-round community gathering spot, and this project will have a tremendous impact, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can enjoy the space for years to come.”
The Township of Emo is receiving almost $200,000 to renovate the upstairs washrooms in the community hall at the Emo-Lavallee Community Centre.
Emo CAO/Clerk-Treasurer said the municipality wants to make the hall a viable venue for the whole community, and the renovations come as a part of a bigger effort to update the facility and will include some electrical work as well. In a written statement, Gray thanked the NOHFC for the funding and added the renovations will impact the community for a long time to come.
“The Township of Emo would like to thank the Ontario government and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation for their Community Enhancement Program, which is providing the opportunity for the Township of Emo Council and the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre Board to ensure the continued upkeep and upgrading of the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre Hall,” Gray said.
“The upgrading of the bathrooms will allow for improved accessibility of these facilities. The $198,000 funding contribution towards this project has made these repairs and upgrades an achievable goal. This will provide continued community use of this community hub for years to come.”
The two announcements came as part of a series of announcements that also included over $150,000 for the Curl Fort Frances Community Centre to make its washrooms more accessible.
“These projects are about enhancing the quality of life for community members and ensuring that the Millennium Park, the Emo-LaVallee Community Centre Hall and the Curl Fort Frances Community Centre remain accessible and inclusive for people of all ages and abilities,” said Rickford.
“Through the NOHFC, we continue to partner with municipalities and make the targeted investments needed to strengthen the community assets that matter the most to those in northwestern Ontario.”
