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City looks for funding for recreation projects

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City council is considering which recreation projects will be included in its applications for federal and provincial funding currently up for grabs.

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Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the federal government is providing $11.8 billion in infrastructure funding to cost-share projects related to public transit, green infrastructure, community, culture and recreation, and rural and northern communities.

The community, culture and recreation stream will be funded with about $407 million in federal funding and $320 million in provincial funding over 10 years starting in 2019-2020.

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The cost-sharing formula is 40 per cent federal money, 33.3 per cent provincial and 26.6 per cent municipal.

Priority will be given to projects that are “community-oriented, non-commercial and open to the public.”

In a report to councillors at an operations and administration committee meeting this week, Sandy Jackson, general manager of parks and recreation, recommended the city apply for funding for three projects:

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• The Southwest Community Centre and Park in the category for projects with a value up to $50 million. The project, to be completed in three phases, has an estimated cost of $49 million and includes a ball diamond complex, sports fields, skateboard park and/or splash pad, community centre and library.

• Woodman Community Centre expansion and pool improvements. The pool and centre were constructed in 1974. The pool replacement and community centre expansion is expected to fall within the $5-million cap in the “renovation and rehabilitation” category.

• Mohawk Park, Mohawk Lake, trail and river access improvements. The 44-acre park was purchased by the city in 1915. Improvements include playground replacement, air conditioning and electrical for the pavilion, improved lake access, and a band shell. The cost is estimated between $2.8 million and $5 million.

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Some councillors said they feel that other city projects should be considered for funding.

“Right now we just have three that have been dictated to us,” said Coun. John Sless.

He questioned Jackson about whether construction of a mid-sized theatre could be included in the request for funding.  A recently-released study says the theatre would cost between $15 million and $21 million.

Sless also promoted improvements to the more than 40-year-old courts at the Dufferin Tennis Club and Lawn Bowling Club and movement of the lawn bowling greens located at the site as potential projects for funding.

But Coun. Richard Carpenter said Jackson is recommending projects that look as if they have the best chance of getting funding.

“These are already on-the-shelf projects,” said Carpenter. “I’d rather get the big one funded.”

Further information on whether to include a mid-sized theatre and the Dufferin club projects in the funding application process will be presented at the next council meeting.

The applications are due on Nov. 12 and the projects must be completed prior to 2027-28.

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