On Friday, May 29, the provincial government announced a series of grants to local community organizations and development projects. These grants are funded through the Building Sustainable Communities program.

MLA Ron Schuler says that more than $519,000 has been set aside for projects in the Springfield-Ritchot constituency, which includes Niverville. The level of grant support was increased this year, as part of the government’s efforts to kickstart the economy during the pandemic.

“While we are protecting ourselves, protecting others, and protecting our community during this COVID-19 pandemic, we will not stop working together to make our communities better and stronger,” says Schuler. “We are all in this together.”

Three projects in and around Île-des-Chênes received grant support. Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre Inc. has been given $75,000 for its outdoor wildlife enclosures, the TC Energy Centre will get $19,078 for the purchase of new kitchen equipment, and $8,485 will go towards equipment upgrades at Club Île-des-Chênes.

Elsewhere in the RM of Ritchot, the Ste. Agathe Community Development Corp will received $10,556 for dugout upgrades, and $4,875 will be spent on heating system upgrades at the Ste. Agathe Arena.

In Niverville, the town has received $75,000 which will go towards pipe replacements at the Centennial Arena, and an additional $35,000 will be spent on improvements at Hespeler Park. Also, Niverville Heritage Holdings Inc. has been granted $40,162 to build a new pavilion on their property.

Through the Building Sustainable Communities program, more than $10 million in grants has been set aside for 344 individual projects province-wide. The maximum allowable grant amount per project is $75,000.