City of Hamilton receives more than $6M for recreation projects

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Published April 29, 2021 at 3:51 pm

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Four community recreation infrastructure projects in Hamilton are getting a financial boost from all levels of government.

In a joint announcement Thursday (Apr. 29), the Government of Canada announced $3,379,614 would go towards the projects. Meanwhile, the Government of Ontario said it would be investing $2,816,064; the City of Hamilton will be contributing $2,235,479; and the Eva Rothwell Centre is providing $17,879 in funding towards their gymnasium renovation project.

Hamilton will undertake three projects to improve six recreational facilities:

  • The Central Memorial Recreation Centre will replace its elevator
  • The Hamilton Amateur Athletic Association Park redevelopment project will create barrier-free accessible pathways throughout the park, improve drainage, and upgrade the lighting to LED
  • Mohawk Ice Centre, Benneto Community Centre, Dundas Community Pool, and Chedoke Golf Club will have their roofs repaired or replaced

Further, the Eva Rothwell Centre will renovate its gymnasium to include new flooring with multi-sport court lines, new adjustable basketball nets, and improvements “to safety features to reduce the risk of injury during activities.”

“These improvements will provide greater access to recreational opportunities for youth of all ages, including persons with disabilities,” stated an official media release regarding the funding announcement.

Hamilton MP Filomena Tassi stressed the importance of local recreation facilities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Recreational spaces are at the heart of communities where people want to live, work and raise a family,” she said.

“Today’s investment in these four projects in Hamilton will ensure residents continue to have access to modern recreational facilities for years to come. Canada’s infrastructure plan invests in thousands of projects, creates jobs across the country, and builds cleaner, more inclusive communities.”

Multiple members of government who represent Hamilton were on-hand for the virtual announcement, including MP Bob Bratina, MPP Donna Skelly, and Mayor Fred Eisenberger.

“Recreation facilities are a vital part of the fabric of our community, supporting the health and wellbeing of our people and promoting opportunities for active living in a safe, inclusive environment,” said Eisenberger.

“This welcome investment by the Government of Canada, in partnership with the Government of Ontario, will provide for renovations, retrofits and redevelopments that will modernize these facilities and ensure they can be enjoyed by our community for years to come.”

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