Government funding to kick-start work on rec centres in Parry Sound, Belleville, Ont.

Federal and provincial funding commitments will get shovels in the ground on two new recreation facilities in Ontario and back renovations at another.

Ottawa and Queen’s Park announced tens of millions in support for projects in Parry Sound, Belleville and Huron East, June 7.

In Parry Sound, the funds will support construction of a new rec centre with a 25-metre multi-lap pool, a gym, indoor walking track and multi-purpose rooms. The federal government will spend $12.7 million on the project, the Ontario government $10.6 million, and seven municipalities in the West Parry Sound area $8.5 million.

Construction of a new YMCA facility in Belleville will move forward as well, with $5.9 million from the YMCA of Central East Ontario, $7.4 million from the province and $8.9 million from Ottawa. The new facility will have two pools, a gym and meeting space for community programs.

Finally, the new funding commitments back a $4.6 million expansion project to the existing Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. The municipality of Huron East will cover $1.2 million of project costs, with the federal and provincial governments spending $1.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively.