June 18, 2024

$59,500 OTF Grant from the Ontario government gives community a lift

On Saturday June 15, MPP Rick Byers met with the team from the Municipality of West Grey and West Grey Public Library to hear more about the $59,500 Resilient Communities Fund grant that it received from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) in 2023. The two-year long grant is being used to mobilize both recreation and library programming to the far-reaching corners of West Grey helping to further engage the community in programs and provide child minding programs to residents in West Grey.

“Congratulations to the Municipality and to the Public Library on receiving this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. It is great to see the creative and important use of these of funds for the residents of West Grey," said MPP Rick Byers.

Funds from the grant are being used to increase West Grey’s ability to deliver a travelling summer camp program that helps to increase the community availability of child-minding programs, as well as expanded library programing. The grant helped to purchase a van that makes this possible, rather than having one centralized program in a single urban centre. This program also enabled the municipality to buy program supplies, technical equipment and lending materials, while allowing the Library and Recreation departments to tailor their offerings to the needs of each community in West Grey.

Over the last year, the Library and Recreation Departments have seen significant increases in their community engagement through the programming offerings. “We are committed to continuing these community engagement programs and look forward to seeing the Library and Recreational programming continue to delivery lifelong memories for our youth,” said Mayor Kevin Eccles.

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the West Grey Public Library deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come."

The Municipality of West Grey prioritizes infrastructure enhancements, community development, and transparent communication, showcasing our dedication to fulfilling the values and requirements of the community. Explore upcoming events by visiting: calendar.westgrey.com

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

 

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