Staff
The new Fort Frances Public Library and Technology Centre and Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club are among the beneficiaries of $932,800 in Ontario Trillium Foundation grants recently announced for 19 local not-for-profit and charitable organizations across Northwestern Ontario.
The Town of Fort Frances will receive $37,300 over one year to purchase two self-check stations for the new library.
The equipment will increase speed of service and reduce theft, improving service for people of all ages and abilities.
The local ski club, meanwhile, will get $51,000 over one year to purchase ski and trail grooming equipment, as well as construct an addition to the ski chalet for storage.
The improvements and equipment will assist in the continued provision of cross-country skiing for the community.
Other district recipients included:
•Naicatchewenin First Nation—$15,000 over one year to purchase equipment to establish a community garden that will support families in improving their access to nutritious and affordable food;
•Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives—$34,000 over one year to assist with operating costs while the organization develops a strategic plan and builds its capacity to engage community support for arts and cultural activities in Atikokan and the region; and
•Royal Canadian Legion Br. #145 (Atikokan)—$30,000 over six months to install a new roof on the Legion facility to stop leakage and ensure a well-maintained space for community programs and services.
This funding to Northwestern Ontario will help build stronger communities that are better able to face challenging social and economic times, and improve the quality of life for their residents.
Some of OTF’s latest grants will boost literacy, skills development, and employment prospects, as well as increase opportunities for environmental solutions and sustainable community partnerships.
In addition to local community grants, the OTF is announcing 37 province-wide grants totalling $7,153,700.
The social and economic impact of this broad funding to larger organizations will benefit communities across the province, including many in Northwestern Ontario.
“The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s grants have a positive economic impact on Ontario communities,” Culture minister Aileen Carroll said in a press release.
“This funding supports the government’s efforts to foster growth by helping people and communities to capitalize on their existing strengths and build for the future,” she added.
“Charitable and not-for-profit organizations will use their OTF grants to seize opportunities available in our communities and make a significant difference during tough economic times,” noted Brian Collins, OTF grant review team chair for Northwestern Ontario.
