Nine Windsor-Essex community space and greenspace groups will benefit from grants awarded by the federal government.
The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), has provided $2-million in grants for that group of community spaces, to upgrade community infrastructure and encourage people to enjoy the great outdoors.
Helena Jaczek, the minister in charge of FedDev, made the announcement Thursday afternoon at the John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area in Essex.
"Our government is investing in community infrastructure to support the mental and physical health of Canadians by promoting social interaction and physical activity while driving resilient local economic growth," said Jaczek. "Today’s investment in nine community projects across Windsor-Essex will revitalize communities and improve the quality of life for Canadians."
Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) chair Tania Jobin said the agency is one of the recipients.
"This investment will significantly expand the fish habitat and erosion protection works at Pêche Island, further improve accessibility at the John R. Park Homestead, and enhance trail experiences and access along the Greenway trails," said Tobin, also a Tecumseh town councillor.
ERCA received a total of $940,000 for those three projects. The City of Windsor will receive $170,194 for two new full-size outdoor basketball courts at Mic Mac Park and $123,936 for off-road cycling infrastructure at Malden Park.
The Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) has been granted $375,000 for upgrades to the Windsor Art Alley.
The other recipients are the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which will get $391,726 to revitalize nature trails at 12 Windsor-Essex sites including Pelee Island; the Via Italia BIA, which will receive $62,370 to improve connector alleyways along Windsor's Erie Street; and Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village, which will get $87,480 to improve accessibility.
The funding delivered by FedDev comes from the federal government's $500-million Canada Community Revitalization Fund.
