Rink repairs, splash park get grants

Hydro One is contributing $10,000 to the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation to fund its rink renovation project and $5,000 to the Township of Emo towards construction of a splash park there.
The grants, announced Monday, are part of the company’s new “PowerPlay” program that benefits children’s outdoor and active play facilities.
Both are among 48 projects to receive funding in the initial round of “PowerPlay” grants.
More than $450,000 will be awarded this winter and Hydro One is accepting applications now for the next round of grants, with a deadline of April 30.
“We are proud to support community efforts to expand safe, healthy play facilities for children in Ontario,” said Laura Formusa, president and CEO of Hydro One.
“The ‘PowerPlay’ program is one of the many ways Hydro One can invest in the well-being of the communities in which we live and work,” she added.
“The generous contribution from Hydro One will help significantly in making the Onigaming rink renovation project a reality,” said Owen Zoccole, director of Education, Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation.
“This contribution provides an opportunity for year-round fun and fitness for our children.”
“Emo council, along with the splash park committee, would like to thank Hydro One for their help in making this a reality,” echoed Emo Reeve Ed Carlson.
“The splash park will be available to all ages of children, and provide a safe environment for fun and a great place to cool off under the sun,” he added.
Elsewhere in the region, the Township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls was given $15,000 for renovations to the surface, drainage, and fencing of the baseball field and construction of a playground at the Bass Lake Community Youth Park.
The City of Dryden also was given $5,000 from Hydro One towards construction of its Destination Dryden Splash Park.
The “PowerPlay” program, launched in August, 2007, is open to municipalities and registered charities in Hydro One-served communities. The program offers grants up to $25,000.
This includes new facilities and renovation of existing facilities that are open and accessible to the community at large.
Additional funding may be available where energy efficiency measures are incorporated into the project.