AUGUSTA RECREATION GETS SIGNIFICANT UPGRADE UNDER THE CANADA COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION FUND (CCRF)

Maynard – Mayor Jeff Shaver and Council were pleased to welcome MP Michael Barrett to the Roebuck Community Hall on Monday, August 14th to recognize the significant contributions by the Federal Government to recreation in the Township of Augusta which have received $1,640,726 for upgrades and renovations in the communities of Maitland, Maynard, Roebuck, and North Augusta.

In 2021, the Township received $1,640,726 from the federal government for revitalization work at our recreation centres – Maynard Rec, MERC, North Augusta Community Hall and the Roebuck Community Centre. This money – the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) grant – along with the $546,908 which was invested by the Township allowed for major renovations and upgrades to be done on our centres.

The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) was intended to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a national allocation of $500 million over two years, the Fund’s purpose was to support not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other public institutions, as well as Indigenous communities on the road to economic recovery. The focus of the funding is for projects that assist with community vitality, support social and economic cohesion, and help reanimate communities.

Mayor Shaver spoke about the importance of recreation within the Township of Augusta and with the contribution of the Federal Government and the Township, recreation will get a significant boost with the help of our volunteers. “We are fortunate to have such a strong volunteer group which without them these types of initiatives would not be possible. It is great to see the investment that will be added to recreation and the families that will enjoy these amenities for many years,” said Mayor Shaver.

The recreation committees have been busy moving forward on the plans to upgrade the halls in the Township which will see facility upgrades of our halls, tennis/pickleball courts, summer/winter rink surface, improved and safer parking areas, storage, washrooms, accessible walking track, and many more improvements that will see further investment in recreation within the Township of Augusta.

“I am so pleased to help advocate on behalf of our community and thrilled that federal support from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund is going towards incredible building projects across Augusta Township that will provide modern and accessible spaces for more events, sports, and activities that everyone across our community can come together and experience. I am grateful for the partnership with Augusta Township and their dedicated efforts in continuing to help build up our community,” said MP Barrett.

“On behalf of Council and Staff, our volunteers, and residents of Augusta Township, we would like to offer our thanks to MP Barrett, MPP Clark and all levels of government for the ongoing support and collaboration with the Township to ensure our community continues to grow and is a community of opportunity,” said Mayor Shaver.

This funding contribution will offer our residents and families more opportunities to enjoy and participate in recreation activities, as well as continue to grow, and enhance our communities within the Township. We are so grateful for this investment.

These upgrades included:

Maitland Education & Recreation Centre (note: some projects are still being completed)

• accessible doors and doorways
• rehabilitation of the parking lot to allow for better access for those with mobility issues
• replacing/repairing the ceiling
• upgrading the lighting, fans
• upgrading the HVAC system
• improving the microphone and speaker systems

Maynard Education and Recreation Centre (note: some projects are still being completed)

• convert the tennis/ball hockey court into a multifunctional space which will include tennis/pickleball courts and a summer/winter rink surface
• expanding and paving the current parking lot

North Augusta Community Hall (note: some projects are still being completed)

• demolish Masonic Hall
• developing outdoor space to include tennis/pickle ball court/playground
• create a three-season rink surface surrounded by a paved accessible walking track
• construction of a new pavilion which will include storage space, accessible washrooms, a general purpose area and a canteen
• new parking facilities will also be added

Roebuck Community Centre

• rehabilitate the parking area which with age became unsafe for ambulatory-challenged visitors
• installed a one-story lift inside the building
• upgrade the air conditioning system