MAPLETON – Council here has approved financial support totaling about $15,000 from the township’s 50/50 funding program for projects by four local groups.
On Dec. 12, council accepted recommendation’s from the municipality’s parks and recreation committee (PRAC) to provide funding for projects proposed by the Moorefield Optimist Club, Drayton/Mapleton Agricultural Society, Alma Community Recreation Association and Rotary Club of Drayton.
The Moorefield Optimists are set to proceed with the next stage of upgrades to the outdoor rink operated by the club, including the addition of a refrigerant piping system for the rink surface.
PARC minutes indicate early projections for the rink upgrades set the overall cost upwards of $40,000. The committee recommended support for the project up to a maximum of $5,000 through the 50/50 program.
The Drayton/Mapleton Agricultural Society is planning to restore the stone gates at the fairgrounds at 49 Elm Street in Drayton.
The society estimates the restoration will cost $5,300. The committee recommended a contribution of $2,650.
The Alma Community Recreation Association (ACRA) submitted information to the committee on plans for a multi-use covered cement pad at Wallace Cumming Park.
In order for ACRA to proceed, a project engineering review at a cost of $4,800 is required. The committee recommending providing a 50/50 contribution of $2,400 for the review.
The Rotary Club of Drayton requested funding toward the continued development of the new Rotary Park in Drayton. The committee recommended a $5,000 contribution.
The committee referred a fifth request, for funding toward a $2,000 project for new signage and exterior repairs and painting at the Drayton Youth Centre, to the township’s economic development committee for consideration through the municipality’s Community Improvement Program (CIP).
However, the minutes note the committee is prepared to support the youth centre’s 50/50 submission if the CIP application is not approved.
Councillor Amanda Reid asked how the process would work if the CIP application is not supported.
“It will come back to the parks and recreation committee … then come back to council,” Mayor Gregg Davidson replied.
