Across the country, Canadians are feeling the impact of COVID-19, on their families, their livelihoods, and their way of life. Together, Canada and Ontario are working to reduce the impact of the pandemic, ensure health and safety, rebuild businesses, and promote job creation, growth and investment.
Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the Honourable Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure; His Worship Jamie McGarvey, Mayor of the Town of Parry Sound; and His Worship Bernie MacLellan, Mayor of the Municipality of Huron East, announced joint funding to improve access to regional recreational facilities that will promote an active and healthy lifestyle.
The Government of Canada is investing over $12.7 million for the construction of a new recreation facility in the Town of Parry Sound through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing over $10.6 million, and the seven municipalities in the West Parry Sound area are jointly contributing more than $8.5 million.
The conceptual design of this new facility features a 25 metre, multi-lane lap pool, and a warm water therapy/leisure pool. It will also include a gym, a fitness and conditioning centre and studio, an indoor walking track, various multi-purpose rooms, space for Indigenous programming, and inclusive change rooms. Once complete, residents of the West Parry Sound area will have better access to a modern and inclusive recreational facility.
In the Municipality of Huron East, the Government of Canada is investing over $1.9 million for the expansion and renovation of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing over $1.5 million, and Huron East is contributing more than $1.2 million.
The existing facility will be expanded to include an enhanced fitness centre, kitchen facilities, auditorium and new dressing rooms that meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements. With this funding, Huron East will also replace the aging facility roof. This project will help improve access to modern recreational infrastructure and better meet the needs of the municipality and surrounding communities.
All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when needed most.
