$500,000 OTF Grant Gave Community Centre a New Roof

Penetanguishene, ON – This evening, MPP Jill Dunlop dropped the puck at the Penetanguishene Kings’ game, in recognition of the completion of the Arena’s Roof Repair project, made possible by a $500,000 Community Building Fund grant awarded in late 2021 by the Government of Ontario and Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). It was a great opportunity for MPP Dunlop and Vanessa Quesnel, an OTF volunteer, to hear more about the long-term impact of the work after the initial announcement of the grant was made in April 2022.

“The $500,000 provided through the Community Building Fund for roof repairs to the centre, a highly integral part of the Town of Penetanguishene community, was essential for structural capacity to meet building codes and to ensure a safe facility that will continue to provide recreational space,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This means residents and visitors of all ages will have access to essential programs and events here at the centre now and for years to come.”

The new roof over the arena and Brian Orser Hall will extend the life of the facility, and the significant grant meant that the required repairs could be completed on the current Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre with limited impacts to the Town’s reserves.

"The impact of this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant cannot be overstated,” said Doug Rawson, Mayor of the Town of Penetanguishene.  “The Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre is vital to providing many municipal and community services and we need to ensure that it remains safe and accessible for members of the community.”

To enquire about using the space for a meeting or hosting an event, please visit the website at: www.penetanguishene.ca    

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grantmaking in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested nearly $209M into 2,042 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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Town of Penetanguishene receives $500,000 from Community Building Fund Grant

April 2022, Penetanguishene, ON – 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.

Attachments

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MPP Dunlop Town of Penetanguishene