ERIN – The federal government provided $202,340 for the Erin Agricultural Society’s (EAS) new “agri-dome” located at the Erin fairgrounds.
The dome was constructed last year with money raised through the RCMP Musical Ride and the federal grant, debuting during the 172nd Erin Fall Fair.
“We were super excited to receive the grant,” said Brenda Lothmann, who was president at the time the agri-dome was built.
Lothmann said the EAS applied for the federal funds to replace temporary tenting.
The new “agri-dome” at the Erin fairgrounds. Submitted photo
“It was nice to see that goal come to fruition this past year,” thanks to efforts from Greg Petrie and Matt Stevens, Lothmann said.
Looking to the future, Lothmann said the dome will facilitate agricultural-focused programming such as cattle and equine events.
Despite being built in 2022, Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield just announced the funding on Feb. 10.
“This will benefit the community by creating an accessible public space that will ensure the education and promotion of agriculture as well as provide an additional multi-use community venue for residents year round,” states a press release from Longfield’s office.
The “inclusive space” can be accessed by local schools and community groups, officials added.
Current EAS president Sara Parkinson said the new dome allows the society to “increase the number of programs and events that promote and educate people within the local and surrounding communities about the importance of agriculture to the economy and well-being of the entire community.”
Longfield stated the dome, funded under the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF), will “enhance the region” and help people understand “the value of Canada’s agriculture for our food systems, climate and economy.”
On Feb. 10 the federal government announced over $200,000 in funding for the Erin Agricultural Society’s (EAS) agricultural awareness dome at the fairgrounds in Erin. Officials on hand for the announcement were, from left: EAS members Matt Stevens, Brenda Lothmann and Greg Petrie, councillor John Brennan, Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield, EAS members Rob Fletcher and Eileen Brown, and councillor and EAS member Bridget Ryan. Photo by Tristan Clark
Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, said the CCRF “promotes social interaction, boosts local economies and creates jobs.”
The fund is providing $500 million over two years to help with recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Officials say the funding helps “build new community infrastructure and revitalize existing assets, bring people back to public spaces safely, create jobs and stimulate local economies.”
