Every little bit helps

City council directed city staff Monday to compile a list of community projects eligible to receive funding from a new, recently announced federal government program. 

The program is known as the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program (CIP 150).

The program, introduced May 21 by Sault MP Bryan Hayes on behalf of FedNor, provides up to $5.2 million over two years through CIP 150 for projects that support repair and expansion of community buildings.

These projects could include repairs to a museum’s roof, expanding a gymnasium, a community dock, or, in keeping with an item which has come up for discussion at city council meetings before, expansion of the Northern Community Centre.

A successful application could go towards a new rink to replace the aging McMeeken Centre or an extra indoor soccer pitch at the NCC.

Council, at its May 11 meeting, discussed setting a timeline for construction of a new rink to replace the McMeeken Centre.

"We need to huddle rather quickly (in regards to the McMeeken Centre)," said Ward One Councillor Steve Butland.

"The Strathclair Park lighting project is probably one thing we'll proceed with (in terms of a funding application)," Butland said, noting the $5.2 million for Northern Ontario will not go very far.

"Cenotaphs can also apply," Butland said, noting Clyde Healey's  Veterans Commemorative Monument group may be putting its name forward with a funding request.

Noting the timeline involved with the applications, Butland said "this is very much a rushed infrastructure job…but nevertheless let's go for it."

Ward 6 City Councillor Joe Krmpotich said to SooToday every opportunity should be taken in regards to obtaining any federal or provincial funding for expansion of the Northern Community Centre.

The Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program will provide $150 million overall to projects nationwide to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Eligible projects may receive up to 50 percent of costs, with a maximum contribution of $500,000.

The government began accepting applications May 20, 2015.

Municipalities, First Nations communities and not-for-profit organizations have been encouraged to apply.

Projects must be construction-ready and fully completed by March 31, 2018.

The feds say preference may be given to projects that require less than 50 percent funding and can be completed by December 31, 2017, and have confirmed funding from other sources for projects starting prior to April 1, 2016.