Major Grants for Major Projects in Cumberland
The purse for two major federal relief funds, each with $500 million to spend, was opened in Cumberland-Colchester today.
The Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF) and the Tourism Relief Fund (TRF) will pump 1.85 million into the economy of Cumberland and Colchester Counties.
There are ten projects involving community shared spaces and two tourism projects to stimulate local economies, create jobs, boost tourism, and improve the quality of life of Canadians.
There are four projects in the Municipality of Cumberland, one in Oxford, and two in Amherst.
A partnership between the Sunset Community and the Northumberland Tennis and Pickleball Association has paid off with a quarter million dollar grant to develop a multi-court racquet facility including tennis and pickleball on the grounds of the Sunset Community adult residential centre to enhance accessible recreation opportunities for the centre and their community.
The tennis organisation has worked diligently over the last few years to replace the basic tennis courts in Pugwash which are clearly showing their age.
The group searched a number of community locations before striking their alliance with Sunset.
The photo shows Northumberland Tennis instructors helping new players enjoy the game one the old Pugwash courts.
The Pugwash Farmers’ Market will use a $43,500 grant toward a number of improvements, including a solar energy project which will have direct benefits to the Village.
The plan calls for new signage and more accessible resurfaced walkways, along with the addition of solar panels, which will supply renewable energy to the Market and the next door library in the old train station, creating net zero emissions for the buildings.
Even the privately owned Thinkers’ Lodge will be enhanced with renovations to the Gate House building of the Thinkers Lodge National Historic Site to improve accessibility and visitor experience for community members and tourists.
A $35,000 grant will allow the Gate House to join the Lodge and the Lobster Factory as a functioning part of the unique attraction.
The Town of Oxford will receive $15,000 to help create a second baseball field to accommodate the area’s growing minor baseball program and provide space for other youth sports activities.
When it comes to baseball, Oxford has proven to be ‘the little town that could’, with explosive growth and an even better record as repeat provincial champions in girls baseball.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the county, the Parrsboro Playground Society, in partnership with the Municipality of Cumberland, will receive $250,000 to build a playground at the former town hall grounds to provide inclusive play opportunities for children.
Amherst will receive $52,775 for two projects that will enhance access to recreation facilities and parks, including a wheelchair ramp to the ice surface at the Amherst Curling Club.
Work is expected to begin this year with most being completed in 2023.
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