This article has been updated to clarify the roles of the provincial and federal governments in the funding process.
MATTAWA, Ont. — Mayor Dean Backer admits it was a huge blow to learn the Town of Mattawa's application to a joint provincial and federal program for funding to help build a $25-million recreation complex had been denied.
Correspondence from the Ontario Ministry of Infrastructure notifying Mattawa of the decision reads, "Following an evidence-based provincial review process, your project, Mattawa Community, Culture and Recreation Complex, was not nominated for federal review and approval. The intake of this funding stream was highly competitive, and total demand reached upwards of $10 billion against total available joint funding (federal-provincial-applicant) of nearly $1 billion."
"We were totally disheartened, we need this thing to happen," observes Backer. "We are working out of three derelict buildings in the library, the curling club, and the recreation centre, and investing in all three doesn't make sense."
But, he says, adversity has never deterred the town before. Backer says after the initial disappointment, municipal officials are ready to jump back over the boards for another shift to secure funding for the project.
The Mayor says a new municipal complex is essential for Mattawa and he is pleased to have the support of Town Council and the constituents "to get the job done."
Backer says the plan is to proceed with the original vision for the complex, with an arena, community centre, library, curling club, and fitness centre. The proposal also included an Indigenous cultural centre.
The rejected application called for the Town of Mattawa's share to come in at approximately $6 million under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s community, culture and recreation funding model, and that figure will be used as a guide moving forward. Backer adds, pursuing public dollars is not off the table when it comes to bringing the project to fruition.
"Our proposal is bang-on, it's a no-brainer," says Backer. "We're going to be aggressive."
Backer says although the application did not pass the first provincial review phase, Mattawa has been encouraged to apply to various funding streams that will open down the line.
He also says he gets the sense the funding — as appreciated as it is — received to mitigate damage from the 2019 flooding might have worked against their application.
Backer notes there has been considerable investment from outside the community in real estate in the area and updating amenities would go a long way to attracting further investment and to expanding the sports tourism sector in Mattawa.
"We are seeing people invest in our community but they want the extra-curricular activities to go with the quality of life," Backer shares.
The proposed municipal complex would use a phased construction approach over several years and would see the new arena built next to the current facility, to ensure no interruption in its availability to user groups. Once the new arena is complete, the old building next door would be razed to allow for the construction of the other amenities.
"The feds said to stay positive, and we will. We are going to work with the province. With MPP Fedeli and Premier Ford, their emphasis is recreation. We will continue to work with them and hopefully get the feds to jump on board," says the Mayor.
