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Neil Lumsden Apr 1 2026

Province expands grant program for sports and recreation facilities

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Municipalities and organizations are being encouraged to get their plans ready.

A new round of funding through the province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund is about to be released.

The program offers funding to repair or upgrade existing sport and recreation facilities or build new ones.

The Ford government is adding another $300 million to the fund, bumping it to $500 million.

Sport Minister Neil Lumsden says it is the largest investment since it was created two years ago.

“With this expanded investment, we help more communities modernize aging facilities, build new infrastructure, and ensure people have high-quality spaces to play, train, and stay active,” says Lumsden.

Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy says it will help enhance and expand sport and recreation facilities.

“And will also create jobs and help communities unlock economic opportunities that come from hosting local, national, and international sporting events and competitions,” says Bethlenfalvy.

An initial round of funding supported nearly 100 projects, including the construction of 17 new facilities.

The province intends to release further details regarding eligibility and the application guidelines at a later date.

“To everyone who is planning and putting in an application, I will say this: it’s competitive. Bring your A game,” says Lumsden.

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Safe, Seamless Opening For Pool/Fitness Centre

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Things are slowly getting back to normal at the Dryden Pool and Fitness Centre.

Manager of Community Services Steve Belanger says they are starting to open up after being closed since March 15 due to COVID-19.

“Commenced our swims on Monday. Very well received. The whole reopening plan for the facility was based on stages and nothing has changed really on that.”

Swimming is only allowed during the day right now but Belanger expects to start moving into evening programming next week.

Belanger is encouraging the public to use their appointment and reservation system to guarantee a time in the pool.

He stresses they have established a safe strategy to get back to some form of normal.

“We started off with our gym facility. We’ve put in a rather rigid plan but it seems to be going very well. Our staff are feeling safe, our patrons are feeling safe. By all accounts it’s been a good experience for everyone.”

Belanger notes “Sanitation practices have obviously increased and word of mouth is getting out that it is a safe place to be right now. So we’ve seen those numbers climb which allowed us to start-up the pool and get that going as well.”

The fitness centre opened in mid-August.

Visits:
206 from August 17 to 21
216 from August 24 to 28
258 from August 31 to September 4
Total: 680

(Photo: dryden.ca)

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Sandy Beach Facilities Opening Tomorrow

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The City of Dryden is reopening two popular recreational facilities.

The Sandy Beach Ball Diamonds and Sandy Beach Soccer Field will be available for public use Saturday, June 20th.

Use of the facilities is intended for family or small group workouts as league or game play is still not allowed.

The playground and dugouts remain closed.

Users are encouraged to disinfect bats, balls and other equipment often and to avoid touching bleachers or fences.

The Rotary Soccer Complex remains closed.

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Red Lake Reopens Some Outdoor Spaces

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Red Lake has started to re-open certain Municipal outdoor spaces and recreational facilities.

Here is the latest update:

Red Lake and Cochenour Ball Diamonds
-No team sports
-Use only for practice
-Dugouts remain closed
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Cochenour Soccer Field
-No team sports
-Use only for practice
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Phillip Thomas Vinet Centennial Park
-Playground and exercise equipment remains closed
-Pavilion remains closed
-Splash Pad remains closed
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Skate Park
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Laverty Park
-Playground equipment remains closed
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Norseman Park
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Beaches
-Playground equipment remains closed
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Boat Launches and Government Dock
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Tennis Court
-Doubles games are not permitted unless you are from the same household
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

Community Gardens
-Ensure physical distancing of 2 metres (6 feet)
-No gathering of more than 5 people
-Do not attend if you are ill or displaying COVID-19 symptoms

 

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Sioux Lookout Allowing Use Of Some Facilities

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The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is providing limited access to certain recreational facilities.

However, Mayor Doug Lawrance says there will be restrictions, stressing “The health and well-being of everyone residing in Sioux Lookout is of paramount importance to the Municipality.”

Here are the following changes:

Baseball Diamonds
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6 feet or 2 metres of separation at all times, including in the dugouts, unless everyone is from the same family.
2. Maximum of five users at any given time.
3. Baseball games are not permitted; for recreational use only (e.g., batting practice, catching practice).
4. Use of this facility is prohibited if you are ill or otherwise displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

Picnic Areas
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6 feet or 2 metres of separation at all times.
2. Maximum of five users at any given time (no large events, gatherings).
3. Only one person per table, unless you are from the same household.
4. Do not move the picnic tables or benches as they must remain 2 metres apart.

Skateboard Park
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6 feet or 2 metres of separation at all times, unless everyone is from the same family.
2. Maximum of five users at any given time.
3. Use of this facility is prohibited if you are ill or otherwise displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

Tennis Courts
1. Physical Distancing: everyone must maintain minimum of 6 feet or 2 metres of separation at all times.
2. Maximum of five users at any given time.
3. Doubles games will not be permitted, unless you are from the same household, and there are no users on the other court.
4. Use of this facility is prohibited if you are ill or otherwise displaying COVID-19 symptoms.

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Dryden Update On Recreation/Bus Service

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The City of Dryden continues to adjust to municipal shutdowns due to COVID-19.

Manager of Community Services Steve Belanger says it’s still unclear is organized sports will be offered this Summer.

“Community Services Department continues to be in contact with our user groups who would normally use our fields; soccer fields, baseball fields and even Milestone Rink. To see what a shortened or abbreviated season may look like if we get to that point.”

Belanger adds facility closures have allowed them to carry out needed maintenance at the Pool, Fitness Centre and Arena.

In terms of the state of community bus service in Dryden, Belanger stresses My Lift operations continue.

“During reduced ridership. We are continuing to look at ways where My Lift may be able to assist the community. That being through Meals on Wheels or Four Directions. No one has taken us up on that offer yet but the door is certainly open for them.”

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Ear Falls Splash Pad Project Moving Ahead

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The Township of Ear Falls is moving ahead with the development of a new Splash Pad.

Mayor Kevin Kahoot says the total cost of the project is around $225,000.

Kahoot says they received a grant of $137,900 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and they are still sitting on old funding from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.

He notes they are eyeing two different locations but are anticipating a summer 2020 start for construction.

Kahoot says the need for a Splash Pad was front and centre during a public open house held last summer as part of a review of parks programming.

“I think it’s going to be a good fit in the community and something that, especially the kids, going to be excited about.”

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Sioux Lookout Pursues Funding For New Rec. Centre

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The Municipality of Sioux Lookout is hoping to take advantage of a provincial-federal funding program for a new Recreation Centre.

Mayor Doug Lawrence says they have submitted a $42-million application.

If successful, both levels of senior government would contribute in the range of 74%, with the municipality responsible for the other 26%.

However, Lawrence says they are actively pursuing other funding streams to ease the burden on taxpayers.

Lawrence says the multi-use complex would include a double pad arena, a pool, and a gymnasium, among other things.

He calls the application a rare but great opportunity, noting there’s been plenty of public support for the project.

Lawrence says “We’ve been undertaking a Sports Tourism strategy, which included looking at recreation facilities. We are in the middle of that, so it was handy we were able to use staff resources and consulting resources to develop a cost estimate and a very preliminary concept, enough to put an application in.”

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NWMO Supporting Minor Ball In Ignace

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The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is joining the Township of Ignace in celebrating the return of youth minor baseball.

For six Thursdays this past summer, 18 children aged four to 12 learned how to play the sport.

Bradley Hammond is the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications with NWMO and he says they are thrilled to support such initiatives that bring the community together.

Hammond says “We know part of what we need to do is arrive at lasting and sound partnerships. We want to keep exploring partnership in the areas that we are active and figure out ways that we can work together, explore community well-being.”

The NWMO is providing support that will help with the purchase of game and safety equipment, as well as baseball jerseys for the 2020 spring season.

Ignace Minor Ball Coordinator Chelsey McNally says “Not only will baseball keep the children busy and active, and show them how to work well with others, but it will also provide free entertainment for the rest of the community.”

The not-for-profit group is already making plans to host another baseball tournament next year with a goal of having baseball open to all ages.

 

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Smile Cookie Campaign Returns At Tim Hortons

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The Tim Hortons Smile Cookies are back for another year.

You can now purchase the tasty chocolate chunk cookies with blue eyes and a pink smile at all locations for only $1

All money raised supports local charities.

In Dryden, proceeds support Making Connections for Children and Youth, allowing local kids to take part in recreational activities.

In Sioux Lookout, the money will go to the Friends of Cedar Bay and the Cedar Bay Stables.

The Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital Foundation is the recipient in Red Lake.

Across Canada last year, cookie sales raised $7.8-million.

The cookies will be available all week.

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