WHITEWATER REGION — At its regular meeting of November 6, Council of the Township of Whitewater Region formally passed a resolution regarding its application under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program in Ontario for the accessibility and dressing room renewal project at the Astrolabe Community Centre in Cobden with confirmation that the Township will continue to support the operation of the facility.
The Township previously completed a Recreation Master Plan and Space Needs Study for its arenas that demonstrated the need for accessibility enhancements to the facility to improve its overall operation. New dressing rooms are also planned with other lifecycle work and renewed community space.
The Township of Admaston/Bromley has expressed support for the application.
In return, Whitewater Region has supported its neighbour’s application for outdoor rink improvements in Douglas.
At the same meeting, Council also approved sending a letter of support to the City of Pembroke for its application involving its proposed new aquatic centre. Elementary students from Whitewater Region currently attend the Kinsmen pool for swimming lessons.
Mayor Moore stated, “we need to work together as municipalities to share resources and assets that benefit our residents’ health and well-being. We cannot do it alone. These recreation spaces are community hubs that bring us together. We cannot afford to renew aging infrastructure without federal and provincial funding.”
The grant application deadline is November 12. The program provides up to 40% financial support from the Government of Canada and 33% from the Province of Ontario. Community fundraising and support is also expected and needed to make the renewed Astrolabe Community Centre a reality.
