Municipalities and non-profits under financial strain from the pandemic are getting some help from the province. 

Announced by Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Monte McNaughton on Thursday, the Community Building Fund capital stream will allow for organizations to complete infrastructure repairs to ensure they can provide programs and services to their communities once public health measures are lifted. 

“Sports are not just for the pursuit of individual and team accomplishments – they bring people and communities together in competition and celebration,” said McNaughton. “That is why our government continues to ensure the organizations and facilities that make southwestern Ontario so special have the support they need to serve our families.

The municipality of Chatham-Kent is in line to receive $429,600, $496,500 is earmarked for the St Clair Region Conservation Authority, and $54,200 for the township of Dawn Euphemia.

In total, the province’s Community Building Fund is investing $105 million to support community arts and culture, heritage, tourism, sport and recreation organizations that are experiencing significant financial pressures due to COVID-19. The fund is administered by the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and is providing organizations across the province with support for:

  • Construction or renovation expenses, such as materials, labour for construction and/or installation.
  • Fixed equipment costs, such as large-scale fixed equipment for installation (examples include heating systems, exhaust and air conditioning systems).
  • Developmental costs or project management costs.