Supplied by Sault MP Terry Sheehan…
October 13, 2017 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Families in the Echo Bay region will benefit from repairs and updates to their two baseball fields and related buildings as a result of a $50,480 investment from the Government of Canada.
The funding was announced today by MP Terry Sheehan, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedNor. “I grew up playing soft ball with and against folks from Echo Bay and I know how important this sport is to the community. I am very pleased to announce this Canada 150 legacy funding,” said Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie
This contribution will be used by the Echo Bay Elks Lodge to upgrade flooring in the baseball field’s storage facility, replace fencing, reposition the baseball fields, resurface the turf, and add new benches to the dugouts, as well as safety screens and sun shades. Widely used by the community, the fields are home to the Echo Bay Co-ed Slow Pitch League encompassing 12 teams, including three from Garden River First Nation, in addition to the North Shore Ball League for children aged 19 and under in a region stretching from Echo Bay to Thessalon.
This investment is being allocated under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, a $300-million fund that was established to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday through investments in community spaces that bring Canadians together. Of that amount, $10.4 million is being invested across Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“This investment is a community-building project to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary. And there’s no better way to mark this milestone than to celebrate the places that bring us together – the places that allow us to stay fit, unwind, and connect with our friends and neighbours. That’s how we establish the bonds of common understanding and friendship in a country where people come from every corner of the world. The values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define all Canadians are forged in our community spaces.”
–The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor

“The funding announced today will pave the way for much needed repairs that will improve safety, help us attract more teams and enable us to use the field for new and expanded events and tournaments. In addition to league play and recreational games, the Echo Bay Elks Baseball Complex is a popular venue for picnics, kite flying, family reunions and community celebrations.
–Jean Robbins, Project Lead, Echo Bay Elks Lodge No. 535

Quick facts

” Including today’s announcement, FedNor has approved $1.4M towards 24 projects in the Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing region under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.
Associated links

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