Bonnie James
Local Journalism Initiative
CAMPBELL’S BAY – On May 14, MRC Pontiac held an event at Brauwerk Hoffman in Campbell’s Bay showcasing projects that have benefited from the second and fourth streams of the Regions and Rurality Fund (FRR) and announcing a new call for FRR 2 community development projects with an envelope of $600,000. The funding is available to municipalities, non-profit groups or band councils with a focus on “structuring projects” including municipal building infrastructure or non-profits purchasing equipment to increase their services etc.
Eight municipalities and non-profit organizations attended the event to showcase their projects.
The Municipality of Shawville high- lighted the improvements made to Mill Dam Park including new playground equipment and washroom facilities. They also showed photos of the new solar powered streetlights.
Groupe L’Île-du-Grand-Calumet was present with an update on their Honour Our Roots project which aims to identify unmarked graves in the old Saint Anne’s Cemetery and also to build a gazebo, add a flowerbed, solar lights, and a bench.
The Upper Pontiac Sports Complex was in attendance to talk about repairs and updates to the arena including the upcoming replacement of the chiller, the key component in the rink’s ice making system.
The Pontiac Archives used FRR funds to purchase audio and visual equipment
enabling them to host various historical presentations, like the recent talks by Wayne Park and Joann McCann. Archivist Venetia Crawford said the Archives hopes to use FRR funds towards opening a Culture Centre in Shawville in the future.
The Municipality of Campbell’s Bay showcased their new multi-surface rink, dock lights, and promotional banners.
The Chapeau Agricultural Society was on hand to talk about the upcoming farmers market season and highlight the opening of the new market building, tentatively scheduled for a soft opening June 6 and a grand opening August 1.
The Municipality of Alleyn-et-Cawood was excited to share their plans for Mount O’Brien Park. The municipality recently purchased the access road to the park in order to improve it and open the park to the public. The park features a lake and walking trails and the municipality will be adding tent pads, outhouses, waste receptacles, and trail rest areas.
Reverend Susan Lewis of the Anglican Parish of West Quebec shared improvements being made to St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Shawville in order to better serve the community. Much of the work is focused on upgrading the church’s kitchen to support their collaboration with Bouffe Pontiac. The work includes adding an epoxy finish to the floors and upgrading to industrial appliances.
Information on how to apply for the new round of FRR 2 funds is available by calling 819-648-5689 or emailing developpement@mrcpontiac.qc.ca. The call for projects is open until July 11.
Photo – Philippe and Guylaine La Salle present the Honour Our Roots project at the FRR showcase at Brauwerk Hoffman, May 14. (BJ)