Ontario Construction News staff writer
Provincial and federal funding will be used for improvements to four community and recreation facilities in the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge, west of Thunder Bay.
The Government of Canada is investing more than $69,000 toward these projects through the Community, Culture, and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is contributing over $57,000, with the Municipality of Oliver Paipoonge contributing over $46,000 toward these projects.
“It is very challenging for municipalities like Oliver Paipoonge to find the resources needed to properly maintain our facilities,” said Mayor Lucy Klooterhuis. “We are very thankful therefore to receive generous financial support from the Federal and Provincial Governments to undertake these rehabilitation projects. The Nor West Arena, Murillo Hall and Rosslyn Hall are cornerstones of community life in the Municipality and these improvements will do much to ensure these facilities can continue to serve the community.”
One project is the rehabilitation and improvement of the Nor West Arena. Work includes replacing portions of the standing seam metal roof, building side panels, and replacing the floor brine pump in the ice plant. As well, the ice plant system will be evaluated to identify other components needing attention.
“We want to make sure that we are including as many people as possible,” Dave Smith, MP for Peterborough Kawartha, said at the announcement. “If you design it from the beginning so that it is accessible to someone who is in a wheelchair, it’s accessible to someone who has vision impairment, it’s an open concept that allows everyone to go in barrier free. It works for everyone.”
He says the projects are not wants, but “needs for the community.”
Upgrades will also improve the facility’s performance and lengthen its lifespan.
Additional projects include:
- Roof and exterior repairs and replacement of the HVAC unit at the Rosslyn Hall
- Replacing the fire alarm control panel in Murillo Hall
- Parking lot pavement and concrete at both facilities will also be rehabilitated
The Murillo and Rosslyn branches of the municipal library will also have accessible customer service counters installed, which will improve service for children and persons with physical disabilities.
“Investments in safe and modern recreation infrastructure are key to building healthy and resilient communities, while also strengthening community connections and providing valuable services,” said Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski.
“The rehabilitation of recreation facilities in Oliver Paipoonge mean that friends and families will have safe, energy efficient, and accessible places to gather and stay fit for decades to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”
