MPP Greg Rickford announced funding for the Dryden Memorial Arena/CKDR Staff Zoom screenshot
The Dryden Recreation Centre is on the receiving end of roughly 3.6 million dollars between federal and provincial funding.
Today (Friday March 19), MP Marcus Powlowski for Thunder Bay–Rainy River, on behalf of Canada’s Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; MPP Greg Rickford for Kenora-Rainy River and the Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines, and the Minister of Indigenous Affairs, on behalf of Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure announced funding for seven projects to improve community and recreational facilities in six Northern Ontario communities.
The federal government is contributing $1,966,061 towards upgrades at the pool and Dryden Memorial Arena, while Ontario is investing $1,638,220.
The City of Dryden is covering the rest of the project cost with a contribution of $1,310,870.
The total project cost is estimated at 4.9 million dollars with renovations set to last until 2023, to increase accessibility and upgrade the building’s mechanical system.
Some of the highlights include:
- the addition of four, ground level accessible change rooms
- a new multi-purpose space with washrooms and an elevator, overlooking ‘Pronger Rink’ Arena 2
- upgrades to various mechanical systems and components
- replacement of the pool roofing membranes
- a combined heat and power station installed to allow the facility to generate its own heat and electricity, resulting in ongoing operational cost savings.
“On behalf of Dryden City Council, staff and the citizens of Dryden I wish to thank the Federal Government through MP Powlowski, and the Province through Minister Rickford for following through on commitments to tangibly support these two community projects. Community Services Manager, Steve Belanger and staff worked tirelessly to ensure a strong funding application for our community. At the grass-roots level the DREAM Committee, representing the volunteer component of this federal, provincial and municipal partnership for our Recreation Centre has always been a critical support mechanism for the City. Their ability to fundraise $500,000 reflects this town’s vitality and commitment to the overall health of its citizens,” said City of Dryden Mayor, Greg Wilson.
Also receiving funding is the Dryden Go-Getter Senior Activity Centre to construct a 2,500 square foot addition to the building, including an office space, a stage with storage, meeting rooms, a kitchenette, an accessible washroom and solar panels installed on the exterior.
The Centre’s existing kitchen will also be renovated to include senior friendly cabinetry and appliances, to provide seniors with a safer and more accessible space for activities.
Other communities that will benefit from funding include the Township of Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout, the Municipality of Machin and Neskantaga First Nation.
Projects include the rehabilitation of recreation centres in the Township of Ear Falls and Neskantaga First Nation, while Machin will undertake a project to improve a waterfront recreational area at Vermilion Bay.
In Sioux Lookout, the Cedar Bay Community Stable will be renovated to improve the safety and accessibility of this facility.
Elsewhere, the Central Community Club in Kenora will receive funding to restore and renovate an outdoor arena.
The exact funding for each project can be viewed here in full.
“Our government is proud to work in partnership with communities and the Federal Government to deliver today’s vital funding to improve community infrastructure in Northwestern Ontario. This list of investments will go a long way to ensure Northwesterners have access to modern and accessible community and recreational infrastructure that supports youth, seniors and First Nation community members,” said Minister and MPP for Kenora-Rainy River Greg Rickford.
