Callander hopes the province will pitch in for rink repairs

Callander’s Bill Barber Arena needs repair, as shingles are starting to separate from the roof. The goal is to replace the whole works. The municipality has reached out to the Ontario government for help, by way of the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

“It’s an integral part of our community,” mayor Robb Noon said, speaking of the rink, “and it has been for many years. It’s great to hear the kids playing there, and we really have to take care of our facilities.”

See: Callander boarding in the Bill Barber Rink

Specifically, the council has directed staff to apply for the Capital Grant stream of the Trillium Foundation. This grant is designed to offer funds to improve community facilities and spaces. The deadline is March 6, and the maximum amount a town can apply for is $200,000.

And that’s the amount they will apply for.

“Staff recommend applying to OTF for a maximum of $200,000,” advised Executive Assistant, Sara Berry, in a report to council, “to assist in reducing the burden on our taxpayers.”

Berry’s report detailed that the Bill Barber roof replacement has a place within the 2024 capital budget and there’s $200,000 on that budget line. “Receiving any value of funding would reduce the financial impact on our tax base,” Berry added, and “a successful application could recover 100 per cent of the total costs.

Council was all for the application, and staff will send it out before the province’s deadline.

David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.