Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal and provincial governments are funding three recreation infrastructure projects in Northern Ontario, along with the North Bay Rotary’s Camp Tillicum Camp Corporation, the Near North Trail Association and the Municipality of Powassan.
“These are very important infrastructure projects for our area. From improvements to our snowmobile trails, upgrades to the Trout Creek Community Centre, and the Camp Tillicum renewal, these are all important developments that will make life more enjoyable for our families,” said Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli, minister of economic development, job creation, and trade.
The Camp Tillicum Renewal Project includes replacing an existing community hall with a new accessible multi-purpose facility, and improving the campgrounds, such as updating the bathroom facilities, removing safety hazards, and clearly labelling the buildings.
“North Bay Rotary’s Camp Tillicum will be able to start construction on the Redpath Youth Centre, as the centre piece of a refurbished waterfront recreational facility,” said Bob Cunningham, president of the Camp Tillicum Board.
Funding will also support improvements to the Near North Trail Association’s snowmobile trail network by replacing two bridges and refurbishing of another three, installing new railings, and purchasing equipment required for remote trail access.
Upgrades to the Trout Creek Community Centre in Powassan include the construction of an accessible ramp, installation of hands-free hardware and railings, purchase of four sets of public accessible and movable bleachers for community events, and installation of accessible playground equipment.
Under the Investing in Canada plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing approximately $320 million across the province, and the federal government is investing approximately $407 million in Ontario under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
“The rehabilitation of the accessibility ramp at the Trout Creek Community Centre will ensure that our Recreation Center is accessible and utilized to its potential. The accessible playground equipment provides safe and inclusive play opportunities for children. The portable accessible bleachers will encourage participation in events and activities by all community members,” said Powassan Mayor Peter McIsaac.