CLIFFORD – A recently released provincial funding program may be the key to the community of Clifford receiving a new splash pad.
The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund was announced in late August, with the Ontario government spending up to $200 million over a three-year span.
The fund has two streams where the money can be spent: stream one for repair and rehabilitation, and stream two for new builds. The splash pad falls under stream two.
The idea of submitting an application was discussed during a Minto council meeting on Oct. 1.
“We believe this grant will be highly competitive, but we’re optimistic our application will be viewed favorably,” director of community services Matt Lubbers told council.
Prior to the announcement town staff held discussions with the Rotary Club of Clifford to discuss the viability of a splash pad in Clifford.
“These conversations along with the timing of this grant announcement and Rotary’s willingness to make a contribution towards this project, makes this something worth applying for from our perspective,” said Lubbers.
The application deadline for stream one is Oct. 29. The date for stream two is ongoing but with the $200 million in funding covering both streams, officials recommend second applications be submitted “as soon as practicable.”
“We’re hopeful to receive the grant to make this a reality as early as next year,” stated Lubbers.
If the town’s application is denied other funding opportunities and grants could be pursued.
The “most ideal location” for the splash pad would be Cenotaph Park due to the size of nearby water service lines and proximity to storm sewer drains, stated the staff report.
Rotary Park will also be considered.
“It was determined during meetings with the Rotary Club that a direct-to-drain splash pad could be constructed,” added the report.
The report notes water consumption of splash pads has improved and can be managed by the number of features installed, sequencing of the features and daily hours of operation.
The estimated cost of a splash pad is $250,000, meaning a successful grant application would result in $125,000 coming from the Province of Ontario and the other half from the Rotary Club of Clifford, Town of Minto and other potential sources.
The club met on Sept. 24 to discuss funding and is prepared to make a financial contribution to construction.
“It’s very exciting, I think we got a great opportunity to move forward,” said councillor Ron Elliott. “The last time we put in for a recreation grant was the Palmerston arena and we were successful.”
Council unanimously supported the funding application.
