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Community Groups in Northwestern Ontario Benefit from more than $640,000 in Ontario Trillium Foundation Grants
Thunder Bay, August 5, 2008 – Not-for-profit and charitable organizations in Northwestern Ontario will benefit from $646,700 in 11 grants recently ratified by the Board of Directors of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). Ontario Minister of Culture Aileen Carroll said that many of the grants provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to improve their health and become more active in their communities.
“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 Northwestern Ontario Grant Review Team and its Chair, Brian L. Collins, 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.
Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts
$77,000 over two years to provide an emergency respite centre. The centre will offer day programs and services for people with Alzheimer disease and their caregivers in Kenora.
Corporation of the Township of Emo
$35,000 over one year for the installation of a spray park in Emo Lion's Park. The spray park will provide a safer summer outdoor activity for children from the community and neighbouring municipalities.
Finlandia Club of Port Arthur
$125,000 over one year for renovations to the Finnish Labour Temple, a significant cultural and historical building. The upgrades and new lift will help to create barrier-free accessibility for visitors and participants of all ages and abilities.
Fort William Curling and Athletic Club
$100,000 over one year to install an elevator in the facility. This will make the curling club accessible for people of all ages and abilities in the Thunder Bay area.
Kakabeka Falls Community Curling and Athletic Club
$75,000 over one year to install a new ice plant in the curling arena. This will enable the club to continue offering curling activities for people of all ages in this small, rural community.
Le Club Canadien Français de Thunder Bay CCF incorporé
$10,200 over one year for furniture and equipment to build the capacity of the organization to recruit Francophone youth, which will increase volunteerism in Thunder Bay and area.
Northwestern Ontario HD Video Conference Network for People With Disabilities c/o Handicapped Action Group Inc.
$50,000 over one year to complete a business plan for the purchase and installation of a video conference network. It will benefit service providers, community groups and individuals with disabilities in Northwestern Ontario.
Pass Lake Sports and Recreation Association
$12,500 over one year to replace shingles on the roof of the community centre. This will ensure a safer and well-maintained environment for the continuation of recreation programs and services in this small, rural community.
Port Arthur Curling & Athletic Club
$72,000 over one year for renovations that will upgrade the aging electrical infrastructure in the facility. This will increase the capacity of the club to continue providing curling activities and events for people of all ages in Thunder Bay.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 102 - Red Lake
$75,000 over one year for renovations to the facility’s lighting, HVAC system and washrooms. This will increase its operating efficiency and improve its accessibility for people of all ages and abilities in the community.
Thunder Bay Military Museum and Historical Society
$15,000 over one year for a project manager to help capture the history of the military medical unit of Northwestern Ontario on DVD. The documentation will be used for promotion and educational purposes with students and visitors to the museum.
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