“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 Quinte, Kingston and Rideau Grant Review Team and its Chair, John McDougall, 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.

Almonte Curling Club
$10,300 over one year toward the purchase of equipment that will improve ice maintenance and enhance training and participation in the sport of curling in Almonte.

Amherst Island Radio Broadcasting Inc.
$25,000 over one year for a station manager to help build the capacity of Amherst Island Public Radio CJAI-FM. Programming will be enhanced, funding secured and volunteers trained to help the organization become a full-power community radio station.

Art Gallery of Bancroft
$15,000 over one year to install an accessible front entrance and an energy-efficient façade to the Art Gallery of Bancroft. This will help to maintain it as an important cultural venue for local artists to exhibit work and the community to enjoy.

Bay of Quinte Yacht Club Sailing School
$15,000 over one year to purchase a new safety boat and motor. These additions will help to improve safety for young people attending the summer sail-school and for individuals participating in on-water events at this Belleville facility.

Canadian Mental Health Association Kingston Branch
$51,900 over two years for a co-ordinator to help improve volunteer recruitment, training, supervision and retention. This will enhance the organization's community mental-health education and prevention programs in Kingston and area.
 
Carleton Place Curling Club
$14,000 over one year to continue to offer quality curling experiences to members and the community by replacing the club’s aged and damaged curling stones.

Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed
$7,500 over one year to purchase new computers, equipment and tools. These upgrades will improve the community’s access to the computer and lending services of the Tweed Public Library.

Corporation of the Town of Prescott
$14,200 over one year to improve safety and access to facilities by upgrading the exterior electrical infrastructure and lighting at the Prescott tennis courts.

Corporation of the Township of Front of Yonge
$15,000 over one year to help restore a two-and-a-half-storey stone coach house built in Mallorytown in 1853. The building will house and display historical documents and artifacts as well as provide a small meeting space for community organizations.

Elgin and Area Heritage Society
$25,000 over one year to help repair and refurbish the exterior brick work of the Red Brick School in Elgin. This historical building has been heritage-designated and is slated to become a local history and genealogical information centre.

Families First c/o Plainfield Community Homes
$96,000 over two years for a program co-ordinator to offer a program of support and respite to families of children with developmental disabilities in the Quinte area. Family breakdown will be prevented and support to children at risk enhanced.

John Howard Society of Kingston and District
$9,500 over one year to ensure the health and safety of staff and clients by replacing the roof and ground-level flooring at the organization’s Kingston building.

Kingston Grenadiers Drum and Bugle Corps
$15,000 over one year to purchase new percussion instruments to enhance the music education programs and performances of this 65-member marching band.

Kingston Literacy
$40,000 over one year for staff, website design and overhead costs to expand essential skills training and adult and family literacy programs and activities in North Kingston.

Kingston Regional Association of the Deaf
$10,000 over one year for room rentals, interpreters and supplies to host the Canadian Deaf Dart Championship in Belleville. The talents of 150 Canadian competitors who are hearing impaired will be showcased and over 100 spectators will attend.

Lanark County Tourism and Museums Associations c/o Lanark County Tourism Association
$44,600 over one year for a co-ordinator and communication materials to strengthen the economic viability of member museums. New training will be provided to volunteers to improve heritage tourism by promoting the region's cultural heritage.

Mississippi Valley Textile Museum
$15,000 over one year to insulate the ceiling in the Almonte museum’s warehouse constructed in 1871. The space will then be used year-round to present exhibitions, programming and events.

Municipality of North Grenville
$39,900 over one year to purchase a grand piano to be housed in the North Grenville Municipal Complex theatre. The instrument will increase the availability of arts and culture opportunities for the community.

Ontario Senior Games Association
$63,700 over one year for staff, volunteer training and equipment to help produce Winterfest 2009 in Brockville and area. Volunteers will be recruited and trained to host these games that promote physical activity and fitness for good health.

Perth Curling Club
$66,100 to purchase and install a new replacement brine-pipe freezing component in a new sand-base floor. This will enable the club to provide a fully functional three-sheet curling surface for the new season.

Prince Edward County Youth Park Inc.
$125,000 over one year to construct an accessible skate park as part of the new Prince Edward County Youth Park facility in Picton. The facility will provide local children and youth with new opportunities for healthy outdoor recreation activities.

Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival
$14,700 over one year to purchase new risers and gazebos that will improve the infrastructure of this and other popular festivals in Almonte. Site lines will improve, enhancing the puppet-presentation experience for the audience.

Quinte SailAbility
$3,800 over one year toward a new motor for the coach boat and a VHF radio, which will improve the safety of this sailing program serving people with disabilities in the Quinte area.

Quinte Vocational Support Services
$14,200 over one year to purchase adapted computer hardware and software. The new equipment will improve access to computer-based learning for people with disabilities in the Quinte area.

Revved Up c/o Canadian Paraplegic Association Ontario
$100,000 over three years to offer a program of assisted exercise and physical-fitness training to people with mobility impairments living in Kingston and area.

Rideau Waterway Land Trust Foundation
$67,600 over three years for staff, marketing and administration to design and deliver an enhanced public awareness campaign along the heritage Rideau Corridor. Residents will be engaged to take part in voluntary land conservation and trust programs.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 181 - Bancroft
$15,000 over one year for new doors and new carpet-bowling and recreation equipment. The accessibility and safety of the Legion Hall in Bancroft will improve and recreation activities for local seniors will be expanded.
 
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 425 - Sharbot
$63,800 over one year for new floors, windows, insulation and siding to repair and renovate the Legion Hall. The accessibility, safety and energy efficiency of this well-used hall serving Central and North Frontenac residents will be improved.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 96 - Brockville
$5,200 over one year to install new doors on the north side of the building, which will make it accessible for veterans and community members of all abilities taking part in activities at the Legion.

Smiths Falls Gordon Pipe Band
$34,500 over one year to purchase matching uniforms and band drums. New equipment will help the band engage more community members as musicians and spectators.

Township of Athens
$14,900 over one year to install air conditioning at the Joshua Bates Centre Hall. This upgrade will improve the quality of experience for community members and artists utilizing this popular Athens location.

Township of Athens
$3,600 over one year to install air conditioning in the Athens Public Library. This will provide a safer, healthier and more comfortable environment for patrons and staff.