Wild Rose MP Blake Richards dropped in at the Madden Community Centre during a Christmas party Dec. 14 to announce just under $70,000 in funding to the Madden and District Agricultural Society for upgrades to the centre.
“We were thrilled about it,” said society president, Sandra Helm. She said overall upgrades will cost more than the $69,533 but isn’t sure yet on the exact cost.
The upgrades will include a new ice plant at the curling rink, underground power at the campground and carpet in the centre if there’s still money available after the first two projects are completed.
Helm said the society has started construction on the ice plant, having installed the installation for the room but she is still waiting to hear back on quotes for the total cost of the plant.
“We can partner with other community groups that have collected funds through casinos,” she said, explaining the society is partnering with the curling club to replace the plant.
She expects the two funding sources, the federal grant and curling club monies, will cover the costs.
The federal funding will be provided through Western Economic Diversification’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, which was created to modernize infrastructure and provide broad-based economic benefits to local communities.
“As a born-and-raised farm kid, I know the importance of bringing families, friends and neighbours together,” said Richards in a prepared statement.
“Rural community halls, curling rinks and campgrounds are not simply recreation facilities, they are the beating heart of farm communities,” he added.
Helm said the centre’s secretary, Barb Swanson, was instrumental in the grant application process.
“The Madden and District Agricultural Society is very grateful for this funding,” Swanson said.
“Thankfully, now we will have the opportunity to update the facility as it is the hub of activity in our closely-knit, rural community.”
