Provincial funding to renovate the Sherbrooke Community Centre will bring new life to an old building and help make the facility more functional for community groups, says Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley.
“Community centres are the heart and soul of our rural communities,” said Minister MacKinley. “This investment from the Island Community Fund will help with the cost of necessary improvements and upgrades to meet the needs of community groups and also make it a more attractive place for social events.”
The community of Sherbrooke recently acquired the former Sherbrooke School and developed plans to renovate it as a new community centre.
“Residents are very excited about the prospect of a newly renovated community centre,” said Lex Pate, project manager. “A large number of groups will benefit from this renovation including the Women’s Institute, 4-H, Girl Guides, National Farmer’s Union, a local church group, as well as those in our community who organize benefits, anniversary showers and birthday celebrations.”
The provincial government is investing $125,000 in the renovations. In addition, the Office of Energy Efficiency is contributing $2,400 to help reduce energy costs. The total cost of the renovations is $309,000.
Mr. MacKinley said improving community centres is an objective of the Rural Action Plan as it helps strengthen rural areas by creating new cultural and economic opportunities.
The Island Community Fund is a six-year, $27.5 million program to improve infrastructure in rural communities.