Minto approves $2,000 grant for renos at Minto Youth for Christ

MINTO – Renovations are coming to the Youth for Christ (YFC) building at 16 Young St. W. in Harriston, and they’ll be funded in part by the Town of Minto. 

Youth Unlimited/YFC Minto program coordinator Ken Mohle submitted a request to council for the grant. 

The total cost of the renovations is expected to be $20,000, which means the group would likely qualify for a $6,667 grant through the town’s community improvement program (CIP). 

But town treasurer Gordon Duff said YFC officials only requested $2,000 because they have two other donors financially supporting the renovations. 

Minto’s 2026 budget includes up to $5,000 in donations to qualifying organizations or individuals, governed by the town’s donation policy. 

The town has not yet made any donations in 2026 so the full $5,000 is still available. 

This is separate from the CIP, which provides funding under the building improvement and structural works grant program. 

Minto budgeted $45,000 for the CIP program in 2026 and there is $22,822 remaining. 

Duff, who presented the donation request to council on April 7, noted the grant could be awarded either directly through town donations or through the CIP. 

Council voted to award the grant directly as a donation. 

According to its website, YFC exists “to see every young person living fully in Christ.

“We are committed to helping youth develop holistically by offering programs and developing relationships that further the whole person – physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. We see the hope and potential in every young person,” the website states. 

YFC offers drop-in programming throughout Minto and an Electrical Program for Youth taught by Mohle. 

Until April 18, YFC is offering an “Escape the Youth Centre Fundraiser,” where groups of four to six people (ages 14 and up) can challenge  themselves to escape the youth centre for $30. 

The YFC will also be offering a Tour For Teens bike ride on June 13 and a Family Fun Event on June 25. For more information visit yfcminto.com.