By Serena Lapointe, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

During the July 19, 2021, Regular Meeting Whitecourt Town Council discussed an opportunity to apply for funding from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund (CCRF). The fund aims to help communities build and improve infrastructure projects, rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, support building new community infrastructure to revitalize downtowns, safely bring people back to public spaces, and create jobs while stimulating the local economy.

The national investment into the program is set at $500 million over two years and is available to non-profit organizations, municipalities, other community groups, and Indigenous communities. Selected projects need to be completed by March 31, 2023, meaning that to apply, you required a shovel-ready project. Thanks to the Town of Whitecourt’s 20 Year Capital Plan, Council and Administration had compatible projects and could pounce on the opportunity.

Up to 75 percent of a project’s costs can be applied for with the grant, and the total funding Whitecourt could stand to receive is $750,000. However, the timeline to get an application in was short, another bonus to having a plan in place. CAO Peter Smyl said they were looking to apply for the maximum amount and had a project in mind.

One big part of the Sportsfield Master Plan is the extension of 50 Street into Rotary Park, effectively creating another entrance/exit point for the area. Currently, 50 Street comes off the four-way stop by the Town Administration building and bends right at the Seniors Circle, heading off towards the backside of Central School. A walking trail extends from the sidewalk in front of the Seniors Circle, which brings pedestrian traffic down into the park.

This item is reprinted with permission from the Whitecourt, AB, Whitecourt Press. For the complete article, click HERE

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