MINTO – Town council has approved two signage grants through the municipality’s Community Improvement Program (CIP) to assist a local charitable enterprise with its expansion plans.
Council approved grants of $547 and $351 toward new signs for the Blessings to You Centre in downtown Palmerston.
“Blessings to You, a wonderful social enterprise in our community, is continuing to grow and expand,” director of community and economic development Belinda Wick-Graham told council on Jan. 23.
The Blessings to You Centre opened its doors in Palmerston in 2006 with its first location on Norman Street, explains a report from Wick-Graham.
“Since then, Blessings has had several homes, and they continue to expand within our community,” the report states.
“This is an amazing local social enterprise operated by a dedicated group of volunteers with all proceeds being donated back to the local community.”
The report notes the centre, a volunteer operation which operates the thrift shop and donates proceeds to community organizations, currently operates out of 205 Main Street West and recently expanded to take over 237 Main Street West (former Family Home Health Care) as a retail outlet, as well as 247 Main Street West (former Kempston and Werth) as a drop off and processing depot.
“With two new locations new signage is needed. Being that this is two different buildings and addresses, both applications qualify for the grant,” the report states.
Structural grant for Barrel House
Also at the Jan. 23 meeting council approved a $918 CIP structural grant for The Barrel House, located on Highway 89 north of Harriston.
The Barrel House, owned by Pete and Marla Bradford, creates and sells barrel work, woodworking, rustic furniture, decor and gifts.
The Coopers Cart Kitchen operates as part of the Barrel House and is a Wellington County Taste Real member and offers baked goods and pickles, explains a report from Wick-Graham.
The report notes the owners are doing the structural work themselves so only materials are eligible for funding.
The project involves adding a snow diversion roof over the entrance to the main building, as well as moving the kitchen from a small side addition to the main building and tripling the size.
“This change will allow Pete to expand his product line, potentially add another employee and offer unique tasting experiences to his growing customer base,” the report states.
Wick-Graham said the improvements will also allow the business to partner with local chefs to do dining club events.
“It is already is a great tourism destination, but this will help lift it up even more,” she told council.
Approval of the two grants leaves $48,181 remaining in the town’s CIP budget for 2024.
