Ontario Improves Community and Recreational Infrastructure
April 23, 2021NIPISSING – Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing announced the Ontario government is investing $374,265 into three infrastructure projects. These are a part of a three-government-level investment funding stream to support community, culture and recreation.
“These are very important infrastructure projects for our area,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “From improvements to our snowmobile trails, upgrades to the Trout Creek Community Centre, and the Camp Tillicum renewal, these are all important developments that will make life more enjoyable for our families.”
Local projects include:
- $202,063 for the Rotary Club of North Bay’s Camp Tillicum Renewal Project.
- $109,393 for the Near North Trail Association/North Bay Snowmobile Club/West Nipissing Snowmobile Clubs District 11 Near North Trail Association Snowmobile Trail Improvements
- $62,809 for the Municipality of Powassan’ s project to address accessibility deficiencies at the Trout Creek Community Centre
“Soon, Rotary will be celebrating 100 years of service in North Bay and for a good portion of those years, Camp Tillicum has been an integral part of Rotary’s role in the community. We are delighted by the participation of Ontario in our renewal of North Bay Rotary’s Camp Tillicum and with the funding provided, we will see the Redpath Youth Centre built at the camp. Tillicum will have a bright future offering new and expanded programming to the communities served,’ said Jeff Rogerson, Jeff Rogerson, President (2020-2021) of the Rotary Club of North Bay.
“The Near North Trail Association (NNTA) and its 10 volunteer clubs operate 1900 km of trails within OFSC District 11, stretching from Kearney to Martin River and Mattawa to French River. NNTA trails are a vital link within the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile clubs 30,000 km trail network. Located in the hub of snowmobiling, NNTA trails are well known as part of the RAP (Ride around Algonquin Park) and RAN Tours (Ride around Nipissing) snow tours. This funding will ensure the safe passage of snowmobilers by replacing two bridges and refurbishing three, along with purchase of new equipment necessary for trail improvements. In a recent study, an assessment of the economic impact of snowmobiling in Ontario during the 2018-19 season, concluded District 11 generated $91 million in visitor spending, contributed $55 million to the GDP, and $25 million in total taxes across three levels of government.”
John Miller, President and Governor of the Near North Trail Association
“The Municipality of Powassan is very thankful for the funding we are receiving today,” said Peter McIsaac, Mayor of Powassan. “The rehabilitation of the accessibility ramp at the Trout Creek Community Centre will ensure that our Recreation Center is accessible and utilized to its potential. The accessible playground equipment provides safe and inclusive play opportunities for children. The portable accessible bleachers will encourage participation in events and activities by all community members.”
The Camp Tillicum Renewal Project includes replacing the existing community hall with a new accessible multi-purpose facility, and improving the campgrounds, such as updating the bathroom facilities, removing safety hazards, and clearly labelling the buildings. This project will allow Camp Tillicum to continue providing important recreational programs and services to hundreds of children in the North Bay area while improving its grounds to be more accessible and welcoming for future campers.
Funding will also support improvements to the Near North Trail Association’s snowmobile trail network. The project will replace snowmobile bridge decking, install new railings and 14 culverts, and include the purchase of a new snow machine, trailer and drag. This work will increase trail safety and the user experience for snowmobilers along the 1,900 kilometre trail system, and further support the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs.
This investment also includes funding for the Trout Creek Community Centre in Powassan to improve the facility’s accessibility and allow more residents to enjoy recreational activities. The scope of work includes the construction of an accessible ramp, installation of hands-free hardware and railings, purchase of four sets of public accessible and movable bleachers for community events, and installation of accessible playground equipment.