“The McGuinty government recognizes the numerous benefits that arts, culture and recreational programs bring to our communities,” said Minister Carroll. “These Ontario Trillium Foundation grants will have a powerful impact on local economies and improve the quality of life for Ontario families."

Grants will enable groups to create more social, cultural and recreational activities, remove barriers to full participation and promote healthy living. The Foundation, through the Grand River Grant Review Team and its Chair, Delia O’Bryne, believes this is the way to build healthy and vibrant communities.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Ontario's 2008 spring budget boosted the Foundation's annual funding to $110 million from $105 million, which will be further increased to $120 million by 2009-2010.

The Community grants listed below were ratified on June 26, 2008.

611 Harvard Mark 2 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets Sponsoring Committee
$25,000 over one year to increase opportunities for teens to have musical instruction by purchasing instruments for a new youth marching band in Dunnville.

Brant Branch Foresters c/o Participation House Brantford
$50,000 over one year to reconstruct the inner courtyard at Participation House Brantford in order to provide an accessible and safe outdoor space for residents, staff and visitors to the house.

Brant Children's Services Committee - Service Coordination Review Working Group c/o Contact Brant for Children's and Developmental Services
$9,000 over six months to review the co-ordination of services for children and adults with complex needs in Brant. The review will recommend strategies for making the service system more efficient and responsive to meet the needs of the community.

Brantford International Jazz Festival Inc.
$30,000 over two years to support the development of a jazz festival at Harmony Square in downtown Brantford. The festival will provide economic benefit and free entertainment to the community and surrounding area.

B.R.A.V.E. c/o Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services
$102,600 over two years to hire a community development co-ordinator and help create a one-stop hub to deliver services for victims of domestic violence in Brant County.

Columbian Properties Brantford Inc.
$39,800 over one year to replace the Knights of Columbus building's aging heating and air conditioning system. The new units will increase heating and air conditioning efficiency while reducing the facility's carbon footprint.

Community Forest Health Network - Norfolk Federation of Agriculture c/o Ontario Federation of Agriculture
$45,000 over two years for a technician, training and website upgrades. These improvements will increase the community's ability to monitor, report on and respond to threats to forest health in Norfolk County.

Docks Phase II c/o Port Dover Board of Trade
$90,000 over one year to enhance tourism opportunities in Port Dover. A platform will be constructed to enable public viewing of a 1932 fishing tug that will be linked to the Port Dover Harbour Museum.

Haldimand Bird Observatory
$7,000 over one year to increase the ability of the Rock Point bird banding site to attract volunteers. Funds will be used to purchase a house trailer to provide accommodation for volunteers at the banding site.

Hamilton Place Conservatory - Friends of Paris Culture
$15,200 to enhance the Cobblestone Festival, a two-week celebration of theatre and heritage arts. Professional support will be obtained to enhance production values and broaden audience appeal.

The Lower Grand River Land Trust Inc.
$10,000 over six months to increase the number of visitors to Ruthven Park National Historic Site in Cayuga through the development of a strategic marketing plan.

Norfolk Little People's Day Care Inc.
$15,000 over one year to install moveable walls, to create office space and purchase ergonomic furniture. These will enhance the work environment by providing a private meeting and observing space.

Port Dover Yacht Club
$50,000 over one year to purchase boats and equipment to start a sailing school in Port Ryerse. The new school will increase access to sailing instruction and offer higher levels of sailing qualification to local youth and visitors to the area.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 142 - Dunnville
$15,000 over six months to stabilize the front wall of the legion hall building in order to maintain access to this well-used community hall in Dunnville.

Simcoe and District Youth Soccer Club Inc.
$50,000 over one year to increase access to recreational soccer for children and youth in Simcoe and surrounding communities. Three additional pitches will be completed at the Norfolk County Youth Soccer Park.

Simcoe Minor Baseball Association
$11,300 over one year to replace and upgrade equipment. This will improve the safety of children registered to play with Simcoe Minor Baseball.

Six Nations Police
$74,300 over 18 months to staff and continue a mentoring program for Six Nations youth who are not in school and at risk of participating in criminal activity. The mentoring program provides intensive support to youth and their families.

The Vittoria and District Foundation
$14,600 over one year to increase access to the Vittoria Community Hall for seniors and people with disabilities. These renovations will allow all community residents to participate fully in meetings and community events held at the hall.