Funding has been announced for projects that will improve sport and recreational infrastructure in Toronto.

“Community spaces and recreational centres are at the heart of places where residents want to live, work and raise their families,” said Catherine McKenna, Canada’s minister of infrastructure and communities. “Federal funding of over $8.9 million to improve the High Park trail, the Ramsden Park Twin Pad Ice Rink and the Ted Reeve, Pine Point, and Bill Bolton arenas will help encourage healthy and active lifestyles among Toronto residents for years to come.”

The Government of Canada is investing over $8.9 million towards these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $7.4 million while the City of Toronto is contributing over $5.2 million to these projects.

“I want to thank the federal and provincial government for investing in Toronto,” said John Tory, mayor of the City of Toronto. “This funding will allow us continue to provide high-quality services to our residents and will allow us to continue to address much-needed repairs. The projects announced today will help ensure that Toronto’s facilities are prepared to meet the needs of Torontonians now and in the future. The facilities and amenities that are receiving funding today are fixtures in their neighbourhoods and have provided an outlet for physical, social and mental well-being for many years.”

Among the projects funded, outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the rehabilitation and improvements to the High Park recreational trail where work will include the elimination of curbs and damaged trail surfaces, improvements to drainage, new seating, and landscaping. The High Park Nature Centre will also be rehabilitated. The centre welcomes over 1.5 million visitors annually and the upgrades will provide them with better access and additional recreational offerings.

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“The newly established High Park Visitor and Nature Centre will welcome park visitors and provide them with the information they need for the best park experience possible,” said Kara Lysne-Paris, president and Board chair of the High Park Nature Centre. “Through exhibits and interactive displays in an inclusive and accessible space, visitors will learn about High Park’s natural history, and engage in protecting and enhancing its natural environment.”

“Bringing the High Park Forest School back to its original century-old roots as a nature-based school is an opportunity that aligns perfectly with our mission,” added Lysne-Paris. “We’re grateful to our supporters, and we will continue to serve our community and provide the profound benefits brought by engagement with nature.”

Further, funding for the Ramsden Park Outdoor Twin Pad Artificial Ice Rink will support upgrades to the refrigeration and electrical systems, ice pad, and apron. The Ted Reeve, Pine Point, and Bill Bolton Arenas will also see their refrigeration systems, mechanical rooms, ice pads and dasher boards upgraded, which will help maintain current service levels and extend the lifespan of the facilities.

All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when needed most.

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