The Municipality of Lakeshore revealed a new community space and combined it with a holiday tradition.
A crowd gathered on a cold Thursday night in Comber to celebrate the future spot of the Comber Gathering Centre, and light a Christmas tree.
Mayor Tracey Bailey said the centre will become a focal point of the Comber community.
"Places like Comber are critical to Lakeshore’s identity and history as a community of communities. This project is a celebration of the unique identity of Comber, and a reflection of our goal of investing in projects that foster community and connect residents," said Bailey. "Council and I were thrilled to join residents of Comber to announce the purchase of this property and our plans to develop it as a dedicated space for community members."
The gathering place is part of a Community Support Agreement (CSA) with Hydro One, which will bring $5.8-million of phased funding for culture and recreation.
The Comber Gathering Centre was approved by Lakeshore Council earlier this year as part of the CSA's first phase, with $475,000 approved. Final concept plans, however, appear to show that the project will cost less than that.
Phase one of the CSA also included sidewalk replacement in Comber, and upgrades to the Comber Cenotaph and War Memorial.