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News From Around The 705

Huntsville’s Community Financial Requests Application Now Available

The Town of Huntsville’s Community Financial Requests application page is now live at https://www.huntsville.ca/en/business-and-growth/community-financial-requests.aspx Formally known as the Small Community Grants program, the Community Financial Request program has expanded to include a wide variety of community requests in one user-friendly location. This program provides support for new recreation and cultural experiences, special events and programs that enhance resident quality of life and provide a benefit to the community. It is run on a first-come, first-served basis and the available funding limits for each calendar year are set through the budget.

The three types of community requests that you can apply for include:

Monetary Contribution: This is money paid by the Town to the successful applicant to support a community event, project or program. Applicants may only apply for a monetary contribution request once per year.

Promotional and/or discounted admission: This is a non-monetary contribution from the Town to the successful applicant, such as a free admission pass for Muskoka Heritage Place.

Reduced and/or waived fees: This is a non-monetary contribution from the Town to the successful applicant and would cover such requests as reducing the rental fee for a Town facility.

If you have any questions, concerns or would like assistance with your application, please contact:

Lauren MacDermid

Economic Development Officer

Town of Huntsville

705-789-1751 ext 3035

lauren.macdermid@huntsville.ca

 

Gravenhurst Announces Winners of the “Name the Plow” Contest

Drum roll, please!

The results are in. The Town of Gravenhurst’s ‘Name the Plow’ contest determined the following names for two new snowplows: Clearopathra and Betty Whiteout.

“These names are playful and fun – two qualities that are reflective of our great community,” Mayor Heidi Lorenz said. “We look forward to seeing Clearopathra and Betty Whiteout on Gravenhurst roads.”

Andrew Stacey, director of infrastructure services for the Town of Gravenhurst, thanked contest participants.

“People clearly enjoyed this exercise,” he said. “When we asked for names, we immediately saw some fantastic entries. And in the second part of the contest, when we asked people to vote on the names we shortlisted, again we had participation right away.”

Almost 325 votes were cast to determine the two snowplow names.

“The great thing about the contest was it allowed us to highlight the work we do each winter,” Stacey said. “We take tremendous pride and responsibility in looking after our roads so people can safely get where they need to be.”

By the numbers…

The Town of Gravenhurst looks after more than 500 lane kilometres in the municipality.

The town has 25 kilometres of sidewalk to clear.

Typically, it takes eight hours to tackle all the town’s winter maintenance responsibilities.

An official unveiling of the new trucks with their names will take place at a date to be determined. Watch the town website and social media channels for details.The ‘Name the Plow’ contest ran on the town’s community engagement platform “Engage Gravenhurst”. The town uses the platform to connect with the public on a variety of matters.

 

North Bay Names New Police Chief

The North Bay Police Service has completed the search for a new Chief of Police, naming former Woodstock Police Chief Daryl Longworth as it’s new leader.

Chief Designate Longworth spent 26 years with the Woodstock Police Service, before becoming the Deputy Chief of the London Ontario Police Service. He returned to Woodstock Police in 2019, where he served as Chief until 2022.

Police Services Board Chair, Rich Stivrins, made the announcement at Tuesday morning’s Police Services Board Meeting, and Chief Designate Longworth was present to speak to the board and the media.

“I’m excited to be here in North Bay, and I look forward to meeting and engaging with both the community and the members of the North Bay Police Service, to explore what is currently working and what opportunities exist for improvement.” said Chief Designate Longworth.

Chief Designate Longworth has served as a police officer for more than 30 years. His career has included homicide investigations, undercover drug investigations, tactical operations and investigations into Outlaw Motorcycle gangs. He also served on the Board of Directors with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police for 3 years.

Chief Designate Longworth will be sworn in on March 25th, and will replace outgoing Chief Scott Tod, who has served as the Chief of Police in North Bay since 2019.

 

Ontario’s Seniors Community Grant Program Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for the Ontario Seniors Community Grant Program. The seniors’ grants support local, not-for-profit community groups and organizations to deliver programs and learning opportunities for Ontarians aged 55+.

Every year, the Ontario government provides hundreds of Seniors Community Grants ranging from $1,000 to $25,000 each. This funding allows community groups across the province to offer a wide variety of activities that help seniors to live independently, ensure their safety and security, connect them to their community, avoid isolation and help them achieve greater financial security and social connections.

“Our government is keeping our seniors safe, active and socially connected,” said Raymond Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility. “That’s why we’re proud to provide support through the Seniors Community Grant Program, which gives so many people the opportunity to learn new skills, socialize and take part in community life.”

Activities and services supported by the program include:

Fitness and nutrition classes to keep adults aged 55+ active, healthy, and socially connected to their communities.

Opportunities for community engagement, such as book club gatherings and technology training seminars, to reduce social isolation and increase volunteerism.

Increasing access to information through initiatives such as free lectures and supports for health prevention and promotion.

Applications for 2024-25 are open now until March 28, 2024. Community organizations interested in applying can visit Ontario.ca/getfunding for more information.

Last year, approximately $6 million in funding was given to over 280 Seniors Community Grants. Throughout their lives, seniors have helped build and contribute to Ontario’s quality of life and these community grants provide them with new ways to engage with their local communities to promote physical, mental and social well-being.

For more information: https://www.ontario.ca/page/information-seniors-organizations?utm_campaign=%2Fen%2Frelease%2F1004201%2Fseniors-community-grant-program-applications-now-open&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsroom&utm_term=media

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