Lakefield Herald Special Report

Groundbreaking ceremony at Lakefield-Smith arena

The start of construction on upgrades at the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre was celebrated Sunday by Dean Del Mastro, MP for Peterborough; Jeff Leal, MPP for Peterborough; and Ron Millen, Reeve of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield.

This is one of many recreational infrastructure projects being celebrated in communities across Canada.

The governments of Canada and Ontario have each committed $214,793 toward the project, and the Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield will contribute the balance of the estimated project cost of $791,900.

The project includes upgrades such as the construction of a new building entrance, an accessible lobby, the installation of an elevator, as well as improvements to the dressing rooms and to the Niels Pind Room, including accessible washrooms.

These improvements will enable the community to enjoy an accessible, modern and energy efficient space.

“Investing in the Lakefield-Smith Community Centre will benefit families, friends and neighbours across the township by giving them a green and accessible facility to gather and stay active,” said MP Del Mastro.

“Through our investments in Canada’s rinks, pools, parks and fields through the Economic Action Plan, our Government is ensuring that our communities have the best possible recreational facilities, while at the same time creating local jobs and promoting economic growth.”

“The projects we are celebrating today support our government’s Open Ontario plan to stimulate the economy and create new opportunities for jobs and growth,” said MPP Leal.

“These projects are meeting our priority infrastructure needs while supporting local economies and co-ed sports programs here in Lakefield.”

“Our Township has a proud history of supporting leisure, recreation, cultural, physical activity and sport endeavours across all age groups,” said Reeve Millen.

“The importance of affordable and universally accessible recreation facilities which promote a healthy and active lifestyle is vital to our community’s quality of life and economic health. This project allows the municipality to further the goals set out in its Strategic Plan and we sincerely appreciate the financial support being provided by our federal and provincial partners.”

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