New funding announced for recreation

April 15, 2021 · 0 Comments

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dufferin-Caledon has received new funding to go towards upgrades and improvements of recreational spots in the region.

Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones made the announcement virtual last Thursday (April 8), which will see six community projects receiving funding from the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.

“Recreation and cultural opportunities impact our daily lives, be it on the trails, in the library, swimming, or playing tennis, hockey and lacrosse,” said Jones in a press release. “These improvement, repairs and upgrades to our community facilities and trails helps everyone to enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle.”

The funding is part of an $11.3 million investment from the Canadian government, through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.

Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (CDRC) in Shelburne is one of the six recreation facilities in Dufferin-Caledon to receiving the funding. The CDRC will receive more than $700,000 ($285,625 from federal, $237,164 from provincial and $189,774 from municipal funding) that will go towards replacing the roof of the rec centre.

The Town of Grand Valley will also be receiving more than $2.8 million to make improvements to the local arena. Improvements at the Grand Valley & District Community Centre will comprise of replacing the 50 year old ice service slab with a new modern floor, upgrades to equipment, and six new accessible change rooms.

“The arena is a real large part of this community…it’s the heart of the community,” said Steve Solomon, Mayor of Grand Valley.

A number of projects will be done made at recreation facilities in the Town of Caledon such as renovations and the creation of an Innovation Lab at the Caledon Public Library, upgrades to change rooms, main lobby and pool repairs at the Mayfield Rec Centre, and repairs to four Trailway Bridges.

The Mono Tennis Club is using the funds to construct two accessible tennis courts.