Centre Wellington council has selected eight projects that will receive the final $1.5 million in community allocations from the Jack R. MacDonald trust fund.
On June 18, council reviewed evaluation recommendations from the township’s community services advisory committee.
Approved projects include an Elora skateboard park and a feasibility study for a performing arts centre in Elora.
In 2016, the township received $3.44-million from the estate of Jack R. MacDonald to be used for projects that would have a long-term positive impact in Elora.
MacDonald’s father, Frederick MacDonald, was born in Elora in 1885 and died in July 1970.
Jack R. MacDonald was born May 5, 1915 in Prince Rupert, British Columbia and moved to Seattle, Washington with his family at the age of three.
Jack R. MacDonald began donating to the Elora Arena Building Fund in memory of his late father. He continued donating to the village until his death in September 2013.
In 2016, council approved using $1.805 million from the trust fund for accessibility improvements at the township’s administration office and enhancement of downtown Elora (reconstructing the Victoria Street pedestrian bridge and improvements to West Mill Street).
Council set aside the remaining $1.509-million for projects proposed by the community.
Twenty two applications totalling $6,029,591 were evaluated over a 12-week period. Approved projects are explained below in detail.
Bissell Park updates
The Elora Rockers and Elora Lions Club requested (and will receive) $350,000 to upgrade the multi-use ice rink, ball Sports, casual play, leisure fitness area, performance space and lighting. Efforts would be magnified through in-kind donations from trades.
Performing arts
and cultural centre
The Elora Centre for the Arts (ECFTA) and Riverfest Elora requested $620,000 as seed money to leverage provincial and federal money and undertake a feasibility study to support a multi-use performing arts centre. The township approved $100,000 to fund a study to determine if the project is sustainable.
ECFTA building upgrades
The ECFTA requested (and will receive) $380,000 for accessible washrooms, window replacements, front entrance upgrades and creation of an artist residence.
Elora Skateboard Park
The CW Skate Park Association requested $253,296 to build a skateboard park at the Elora community centre. The township approved $203,296 (the difference being compensated through existing community fundraising).
KIPP upgrades
The Kitchen in the Park sought (and will receive) $35,000 to provide water and electrical service to the KIPP oven in Bissell.
Bungalow 55
Organizers requested (and will receive) $23,195 for a garden shed, greenhouse and growing tables for the development of community gardens.
Elora Sculpture Project
The group requested $150,000 to install six permanent year round sculptures (one per year over six years). The township approved $25,000 for a single sculpture to represent MacDonald’s legacy.
CW Community Endowment Fund
The application requested $500,000 to establish a fund to support future community projects. The township approved $392,509, representing the balance remaining in the trust fund.
Mayor Kelly Linton thanked the committee evaluating the applications.
Brian Detzler noted there was a bona fide scoring system and “very meaningful discussions” for all 22 applications, which were pared down to eight recommended projects.
Linton said “this is really exciting and this is an awesome gift for projects which will make a real difference to the community … this is not an opportunity you get every day.”
Councillor Steven VanLeeuwen said he is pleased the matter was decided before the end of the current council term. He noted the community endowment fund is an interesting idea to generate ongoing funds for community projects.
Detzler said the amount generated depends on how well the investments work. He added his understanding is only the money generated would be used for projects – not the original principal amount.
Councillor Don Fisher commended all those who stepped up and provided applications, noting, “We wanted to hear from the community.”
Fisher said “choices had to be made” but he saw many great ideas that may be pursued in the future.
Council approved the recommended allotments of the MacDonald Trust Fund.
