Greater Madawaska unsuccessfully applied for a federal Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund grant of $189,000, but fundraising for a four-season, multiple-season facility will continue.
A successful application would have paid for two-thirds of the roof cover of the four-season facility, which many still refer to as the community rink. The municipality would have shouldered the remainder of the roof’s cost.
Greater Madawaska’s unsuccessful application merely means it will take longer to finish the project.
“It was disappointing (not to get the grant), but we’re still encouraged by the response of our community,” said Coun. Brian Hunt, knowing more than 60 local businesses and hundreds of individuals have helped with labour, fundraising, and construction materials for excavation and construction of the rink facility.
Although another grant opportunity will available, Hunt, who is finance committee chairman and a Calabogie community rink committee member, says fundraising plans will continue
Enough money has been raised through donations to build a concrete pad, but it was hoped the township would install the floor after putting a roof on the facility in 2013.
“Now it will take a few years to raise that money (for the roof), so we’re going to go ahead with the concrete pad in the spring,” said Hunt.
Possible other-season projects might include a Saturday marketplace, shuffleboard and other projects.
Now the township staff is preparing to submit an application to Ontario’s $51-million Municipal Infrastructure Initiative Fund, but not for recreation facilities.
Council will consider two or three road projects, including Ferguson Lake Road, before applying by the January deadline.