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Following the formal announcement by MPP Jill Dunlop and Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Culture Industries, earlier this year, the Town of Penetanguishene is ready to put its $500,000 Community Building Fund-Capital grant from the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation to work. This grant program provides support for municipalities by funding the repair, renovation or retrofitting of existing sport and recreation facilities by extending the life and maximizing the use of existing facilities.

“The critical repairs to the roof of the Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, a building that has played an integral role in the community for almost 70 years, will ensure the continued enjoyment and creation of memories for years to come,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “The investment in projects like the community centre will ensure the infrastructure is in place to provide a safe and welcoming place for the residents and visitors as Penetanguishene continues to develop and grow.”

The grant means that the required repairs can be completed on the current Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, with limited impacts to the Town’s reserves.

“Over recent years we have seen more and more roof leaks impacting both the Brian Orser Hall and the quality of the ice surface requiring regular repair. The Town has been saving for this project for five years. This funding will go a long way to help us extend the facility’s lifecycle while we continue to plan for its eventual replacement under Council’s direction,” says Sherry Desjardins, Director of Recreation and Community Services.

“The announcement that our staff were successful in receiving the maximum allotment of funding is exceptional news for our community. This funding further assists us in our efforts to meet our Community Strategic Plan directions of upgrading our recreational facilities and practicing forward financial management in order to make the required repairs,” says Mayor Leroux.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. Last year, nearly $112M was invested into 1,384 community projects and partnerships to build healthy and vibrant communities and strengthen the impact of Ontario’s non-profit sector. In 2020/21, OTF supported Ontario’s economic recovery by helping non-profit organizations rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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TOWN OF PENETANGUISHENE
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