New Accessible Courts Open at the Y thanks to funding from the Government of Canada and the Ontario Trillium Foundation News Release

Brockville, ON – On Friday, the YMCA of Eastern Ontario met with local representatives to celebrate the opening of its fully renovated courts thanks to a $427,300 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund and a non-repayable contribution of $222,737 from the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), as part of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.

The original racquet courts were built in 1987 and since that time community, needs have changed and the funding has allowed the Y to revitalize the area. Thanks to the OTF funding, the Y was able to renovate the racquet courts, installing lights and accessibility upgrades to creates a fully accessible multi-sport facility.

FedDev Ontario funding  supported the creation of two regulation-sized basketball courts, six pickleball courts (for Canada’s fastest-growing sport) and additional green space for other recreational activities. The basketball nets are adjustable to accommodate various ages and abilities. There is a shelter for shade and bench seating. The renovation increases the Y’s program space by 25 per cent and provides the community with an accessible and inclusive space for more people of all ages to participate in a variety of activities.

Quotes

“Congratulations to the YMCA of Eastern Ontario on the opening of your new, fully renovated public courts in Brockville. This space will be a place for all ages to learn, practice, and play in for years to come. The Government of Canada is thrilled to support projects that build inclusive communities and give all residents and visitors, no matter their age or ability, a place to play and stay active.”

─The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

“Our government is continuing to demonstrate its firm support for our community through this latest Ontario Trillium Grant. YMCA of Eastern Ontario does fantastic work supporting residents of Leeds and Grenville in a variety of ways, including encouraging physical fitness. With more than $427,000 in provincial support, I’m excited to see these upgraded racquet courts in action in the months and years to come.”          

─Hon. Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes

“Studies show that access to recreation and sport provides youth with the foundations for a healthy lifestyle and allows seniors to continue to be physically active and to have more opportunity for social connections. We are grateful to OTF and FedDev Ontario for recognizing the benefit of having such a community asset in our area.”

─Rob Adams, CEO of the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

About the YMCA of Eastern Ontario

The YMCA of Eastern Ontario is a charity that provides programs and services to improve health and health outcomes, develops leaders, helps build social connections and provides safe, inclusive spaces for people of all ages. The Y is Ontario’s largest provider of childcare with trademarked curricula and offers fitness and other specialized programs including: Work Hard Eat Well, Teen Night, Teen Drop-in and Total Life Care. www.eo.ymca.ca

About the Ontario Trillium Foundation

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations celebrates 40 years of grant-making in Ontario and making a lasting impact in communities. Last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships, which included funding for the Government of Ontario’s Community Building Fund. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

About FedDev Ontario

For 13 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Colleen Gareau
Director, Marketing & Communications
YMCA Eastern Ontario
613-888-9298
colleen.gareau@eo.ymca.ca

Edward Hutchinson
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
edward.hutchinson@feddevontario.gc.ca