Media Release $150,000 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Gives Recreation Area an Upgrade
MEDIA RELEASE
June 14, 2024
$150,000 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Gives Recreation Area an Upgrade
Maynooth, ON – On Friday, local MPP Ric Bresee met with the team at Hastings Highlands to hear more about the $150,000 Capital Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to upgrade the lighting and backstop netting at the Birds Creek ball diamond. The project will increase functionality, usable hours and improve program delivery at the Birds Creek Recreation Area.
“It’s wonderful to see the Ontario government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s Ontario Trillium Foundation, develop projects like this for our residents,” said Ric Bresee, MPP for Hastings—Lennox and Addington. “It’s important that we all get the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and exercise, and share the joy of the game with other players. As your MPP I’m grateful for the chance to share this great announcement with Hastings Highlands council and staff.”
The grant funds were used to install a brand-new lighting system at the ball diamond to increase functionality and increase amenities for users to meet public demand for outdoor gathering spaces in our rural community. Additionally, funds were used to install a sports netting system at the back of the ball diamond to allow for concurrent multi- sport functions and to ensure safety of all users of the recreation area.
“The impact of this Ontario grant is greatly appreciated”, said Tony Fitzgerald, Mayor for Hastings Highlands. “This grant has allowed needed improvements to be made at this facility. The Birds Creek Recreation Area is one of the Municipality’s most used community spaces and we can now allow for concurrent multi-sport functions to occur in a safe manner.”
Hastings Highlands Council is committed to making timely investments into improving community facilities to support greater public use, as outlined in the Municipality’s Strategic Plan. If you wish to view our strategic plan, please visit our website at: www.hastingshighlands.ca.
“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit www.otf.ca to learn more.
For more information contact:
David Stewart, CAO
P: (613) 338-2811 x.289
