Erin council is looking to the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program grant to expand Victoria Park in Hillsburgh.
Council already has planned and approved a $28,195 playground structure in the park, but are hoping the grant will allow them to expand the area into a go-to, state-of-the-art destination.
“Victoria Park was once very much the centre, culture and recreation wise, of Hillsburgh,” said Sharon Marshall, director of finance. “I think that part of this Canada 150 celebration was our idea that we’d make this a centre again for some community events.” The grant came to the attention of Town of Erin staff on May 21 with a deadline of June 9. Nine potential projects were discussed with major improvements to Victoria Park being the preferred option.
Facilities Manager Graham Smith suggested a budget of $150,000 with 33 per cent funded by the grant for an overhaul and expansion.
Councillor Matt Sammit suggested that $150,000 was a large amount to spend in one area and was hoping that the amount could be spread around the municipality.
Mayor Allan Alls noted successful grants were usually specific and had to be almost “shovel ready.”
The grant is part of the federal government’s approach to celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. The program will support renovation and expansion of existing public infrastructure.
If Erin received the grant, construction on a new facility could start as early as April 2016.
Wellington North to apply
North Wellington is also applying for the Canada 150 Grant. Council is looking at an upgrade to the Arthur Arena Recreation Complex at a cost of $73,382 to renovate the flooring, add acoustics and heaters and the Kinsmen Ball Diamond in Mount Forest at a cost of $55,500 to renovate fences, benching and bleachers. The grant would cover 33% of this cost.
