It has been a long time coming, and the sod turning for the Hallville Community Park attracted a large group of dignitaries as well as the residents who have been a driving force in seeing the project come to fruition. From left: Councillor Matthew Uhrig, Councillor John Lennox, Meaghan Meerburg, Director of Recreation & Culture, Michael Lazaris, Parliamentary Assistant to Nolan Quinn, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, Mayor Tony Fraser, local resident, Mary Cook, local resident Heather Erwin, Jamie Leger and Brian Villeneuve, Cornwall Gravel, Scott Covell, Novatech Engineering, local resident Gary Rife and Councillor Gary Annable. Courtesy Photo

HALLVILLE – On Tues., Oct. 15 the Township of North Dundas held a sod turning ceremony for the new Hallville Community Park. To celebrate this huge step forward in such an important project for North Dundas, Mayor Tony Fraser was joined by Councillors Matthew Uhrig, Gary Annable, and John Lennox, Michael Lazaris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable MPP Nolan Quinn Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Amarjot Sandhu Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure.

In January of 2021, the Township was approved for funding under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), In the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure funding stream. The program funds go towards helping communities reduce pollution and increase resilience to climate change, building dynamic and inclusive communities, and ensuring access to modern and reliable services that improve quality of life.

Through ICIP, the Government of Canada is contributing $1,091,477, the Government of Ontario is contributing $909,473 and the Township of North Dundas will contribute $727,742 for a total project funding of $2,728,692.

At the regular meeting of council on Sept. 5, 2024, Council awarded the tender for construction of the Hallville Community Park to Cornwall Gravel Company Ltd. The tender is for Phases 1 and 2, which includes parking lots and pathways, an outdoor rink, playgrounds, pavilion, parking lot lights and underground electrical conduits for future pathway lighting. The project is tentatively scheduled to be complete on Sept. 30, 2025.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, was unable to attend, but sent his best wishes in a message to the citizens of North Dundas.

“We are proud to partner with North Dundas and the government of Ontario to build the Hallville Community Park,” said Minister Fraser. “Once complete, it will give the community a place to come together, play, and have fun for decades to come.”

Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure delivered a message on the Minister’s behalf. “Our government is proud to support investments in local community and recreational infrastructure, fostering stronger and more engaging communities across Ontario,” wrote Minister Surma. “Once complete, the Hallville Community Park will bring residents of North Dundas and surrounding communities closer together through fun and accessible outdoor activities. It will also provide residents with more opportunities to lead inclusive, healthy and active lifestyles for years to come.”

Michael Lazaris, Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable MPP Nolan Quinn Minister of Colleges and Universities likewise delivered the message from his Minister. “This project exemplifies our government’s commitment to enhancing community spaces and improving the quality of life for residents in North Dundas,” wrote MPP Nolan Quinn. “By upgrading recreational areas, we are not only enhancing residents’ quality of life but also fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion for all. I look forward to seeing the community enjoy Hallville Community Park and the positive impacts it will bring.”

“We are incredibly thankful to the Provincial and Federal governments for their financial support in this project, without them North Dundas would not be able to move forward with this park, which, once complete will serve many members of our community,” said Mayor Tony Fraser. “Today, we celebrate the groundbreaking of what will be a beautiful community park here in Hallville.”