Dryden Fire Team at Dryden Fire Hall #2 with Kenora Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford. Photo courtesy of MPP Greg Rickford Facebook Page, Photographer Tom Thomson.
More funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage fund will improve Dryden and Vermillion Bay infrastructure and recreation facilities.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford made the funding announcements this week while touring the region.
The Ontario government is investing $91,125 for renovations to Dryden Fire Hall #2.
“A modern, properly functioning fire hall is essential to helping firefighters provide first-rate emergency response services,” said MPP Rickford. “By extending the useful life of Fire Hall #2, we are building a strong and healthy community.”
“I want to express deep gratitude to the Ontario government for approving this grant,” said Chief of Dryden Fire Service, Chris Wood. “The funding will enable us to complete the installation of new automatic doors, allowing our teams to move much more expediently to emergency crises in the Hall #2 area. We will also invest in a new wash station in this building to ensure that firefighters have the most up-to-date facilities to wash their tools and equipment and ensure that they remain free from carcinogens and other environmental debris when returning home to their families. I look forward to how these funds will continue to ensure our community and firefighters have the best environments to work in and ultimately, to protect the City of Dryden.”
Two hubs that provide indoor and outdoor activities are also benefitting.
MPP Greg Rickford at the Dryden Conservation Club. Photo courtesy of MPP Greg Rickford Facebook Page, Photographer Tom Thomson.
$107,353 in provincial support is going towards upgrades at the Dryden Conservation Club.
“The Dryden District Conservation Club is grateful to be awarded funding from the Ontario government,” said Larry Perkins, Club President, Dryden District Conservation Club. “Thanks to this support, we will be able to make improvements to our building including new doors and windows, a heating system, roofing and many other renovations, some of which will make the clubhouse accessible. This is a huge boost for our club which all members will enjoy for many years, and it wouldn’t be possible without the government’s support.”
The Municipality of Machin on the receiving end of $90,317 for repairs and upgrades at the Vermilion Bay Arena.
“The Woodland Arena is getting a state of the art ice resurfacing technology,” explains the Minister of Northern Development. “It will save on their hydro and improve the quality of the ice.”
Other improvements include new flooring, boards and lighting.
“The Ontario government’s support allows us to move forward with these important initiatives that we could not afford to do alone as a municipality,” said Machin Mayor Gord Griffiths. “This funding will help us reduce costs at our arena and improve ice conditions while working on improving overall safety in the facility.”
Earlier this week, Dryden’s Milestone Park received funding through the Community Build Fund.
MPP Greg Rickford at the Woodland Arena. Photo courtesy of MPP Greg Rickford Facebook Page, Photographer Tom Thomson.
