Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson Presented Cheques To Several Recipients in Huron County This Week
by Bob Montgomery
This past Monday, Huron-Bruce MPP presented a total of $10.86 million in provincial contributions that will support local initiatives in Bayfield, Goderich, Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and the County of Huron.
The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association received $107,900 from the Ontario Community Environment Fund in support of their efforts to install erosion protection and improve fish habitat, so people at home and from afar can enjoy the amazing trail along the edge of the Bayfield River Flats.
The Huron Women's Shelter received $170,800 through the Partnership Facility Renewal program in support of their important efforts. The funding is earmarked for updating and enhancing the facility. The town of Goderich received a $20,000 Experience Ontario 2024 Grant in support of their Salt and Harvest Festival. Goderich also received $1,394,092 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund to assist with 2025 infrastructure priorities. Thompson also presented the MacKay Centre for Seniors in Goderich with $51,137 to support activities for 2024-2025.
The County of Huron received $7,310,485 through the provincial Land Ambulance Services Grant, in recognition of the ongoing partnership that the county and province share, enabling ambulance services across the county. Huron County's Deputy Chief of Operations, Rob Taylor says they're very grateful for the funding from the province. He says the services they provide have grown significantly over the past few years, their call volumes are increasing by about 3% each year now compared to about 1.5% when COVID was more prominent.
Huron County also received an additional $1,085,200 in provincial support for the County's Homelessness Prevention Program for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Homelessness Program Supervisor Erin Schooley says the funding will help them provide supportive housing where possible, it will support their transitional housing programs and their bridge housing programs. Schooley says putting a roof over the head of a homeless person is just the beginning and they goal is to provide permanent housing.
The township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh received $672,926 from the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund in support of infrastructure projects next year as well as $50,000 through the province's Community Emergency Preparedness Grant. The Community Emergency Preparedness Grant will support the installation of a generator at the Lucknow arena, enabling the arena to be used as an evacuation centre if needed.
Thompson says by partnering with local municipalities, the province ensures that essential services, infrastructure, and community programs receive the support they need to thrive.
Left to right: Rob Taylor - Deputy Chief of Operations, Lisa Thompson - Huron-Bruce MPP, Glen McNeil - Huron County Warden
Left to right: Erin Schooley - Homelessness Program Supervisor, Jayme Koskamp - Housing Services Manager, Lisa Thompson - Huron-Bruce MPP, Glen McNeil - Huron County Warden
Left to right: Glen McNeil - Huron County Warden, Lisa Thompson - Huron-Bruce MPP
