BARRY’S BAY – The April 7 finance committee meeting at the Township of Madawaska Valley kicked off with some very good news: the Ontario Trillium Foundation has granted $126,000 in funding to open the Madwaska Valley Public High School fitness center to the public.
Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski was at hand to congratulate council members and staff and present a certificate of recognition on behalf of the foundation.
“One of the biggest challenges we’re facing are personal healthcare costs,” said Yakabuski.
He added that personal fitness was a big factor in health, and that he had strong support for the partnership between the municipality and the school in promoting personal health and fitness.
“There aren’t a lot of opportunities [for physical fitness] in the Madawaska Valley,” added Yakabuski.
“We really are excited about this project and having the public engaging with and using some of the space in the high school,” said Mayor Kim Love. “It’s a great opportunity.”
“I’d like to congratulate the Township of Madawaska Valley for their successful Trillium application,” continued Yakabuski. “And I’d like to thank [community development co-ordinator] Paul Nopper for writing the grant application.”
“He [Nopper] demonstrates his worth every day by putting in the work to get these grants,” added Mayor Love.
Get your April 15, 2015 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.