PICTOU – Renovation plans to a community hall in Merigomish have gotten a boost from the Municipality of Pictou County.
County councillors approved a $25,000 grant that will be split evenly in half over two years to the Merigomish Area Recreation and Social Association for renovation work to the area’s community hall.
Coun. David Parker said this was the third time the request for funding was considered by council in a short period of time.
“I am familiar with the schoolhouse in Merigomish and it is in delicate condition,” he said.
Council was told the $25,000 would go toward major repairs to the building. Council has money set aside for community grants and it has already contributed $4,000 to Toney River and $6,000 to the Plymouth Community Centre during this fiscal year. It has strict guidelines that state it will only fund 40 per cent of a project.
Debbie Ratcliffe, secretary of the Merigomish Area Recreation and Social Association, said the group is currently waiting on funding approval from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency so that it can begin work on the interior of the former schoolhouse.
She said the grant from the Municipality of Pictou County will go towards supplies and furnishings, such as wheelchair-accessible equipment that will be needed after the renovations are complete. The entire cost of the project is expected to ring in near $300,000.
She said the community has been supporting the project for many years by participating in fundraising events.
