WHITEWATER REGION (Westmeath) – A 43-year-old entranceway and ramp will be replaced at the Westmeath Arena.
The Westmeath & District Recreation Association (WDRA), with financial assistance from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will proceed with the removal of the ramp and entranceway, which has exceeded its life expectancy. This entranceway leads into the second-floor Westmeath Community Hall.
The WDRA received a $150,000 Trillium grant.
An inclusive barrier-free replacement entranceway and ramp will increase both the number of users and visitors to the hall as well as ensuring its sustainability, said Bob Grylls, WDRA member.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski said this is good news.
“This investment by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to replace and install a new entrance into this Community Hall is great news for many in our community,” he said.
The project is a collaboration between the WDRA and the Township of Whitewater Region along with in-kind support from the Riverview Seniors Social Club (RSSC).
“This funding by the Ontario Trillium Foundation to install a new entranceway & ramp is great news for our community,” said Brenda Grady, WDRA president. “It will benefit everyone with mobility issues and serve our community better.
Whitewater Region Councillor Neil Nicholson, who is also vice-president of the WDRA, advised council at its meeting last night that the entranceway will be replaced sometime this year. There are some big events happening at the Westmeath hall, and trying to do construction work without interrupting the events will take some planning, he said.
Coun. Nicholson said much of the credit for obtaining this grant was the three years of hard work by Bob Grylls.
The OTF is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded more than $120 million to some 700 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario.
