Canada's birthday brings cash for Vaughan projects

Yorkregion.com
July 30, 2015
By Tim Kelly

Vaughan MP Julian Fantino came bearing gifts Monday as the associate minister of national defence handed out government grants totalling $730,000 for six community projects in Vaughan.

“We want to offer meaningful financial support to provide a greater quality of life for the community. This is no exception here,” Fantino said to a gathering at the Father Ermanno Bulfon Community Centre on Martin Grove Road in Woodbridge that included a number of veterans from the Royal Canadian Legion Mackenzie Branch 414.

The biggest beneficiary was the Father Ermanno Bulfon Community Centre that received a grant for $320,000 for rehabilitation work.

Next in line was $160,000 for renovation work for the Vellore Village Community Centre, $152,000 for renovation costs to the Royal Canadian Legion Mackenzie Branch 414 and $38,012 for renovations on the Woodbridge Memorial Arena.

All the grants are part of the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.

Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua paid tribute to the veterans and Legion members present.

“One of the great announcements today was to the people who have made a great contribution to this country, the Legion. No money, no grant could pay you for all that you have done for us as people. On a day like this it’s important for all of us to reflect on this,” said the mayor.

Legion board member Nick Pinto said the grant was appreciated.

“Our branch, in our own way has made a very positive impact on our community. We thank the Canadian government and thank Minister Julian Fantino for his support of our branch,” said Pinto.

Fantino also delivered grants as part of the Enabling Accessibility Fund with $50,000 going to the York Hill District Park Playground Accessibility Redevelopment.The Maranatha Christian Reformed Church received $9,800 for installation of handicapped accessible automatic exterior doors.

Maranatha elder Richard Ubbens said his church appreciated the grant.

“This helps us greatly in improving access into and out of our church ... we have weekly Alcoholics and Cocaine Anonymous, Community Living York South in summer camps, it’s a building that is well-used in serving the community and doing important work.”

After the presentation, Fantino was asked if the timing of the announcement to give out government money was related to the upcoming Oct. 19 federal election.

“No, it’s not. These are bonafide issues that have been brought to my attention. Obviously, when you represent a community, whoever you are, I think you have to pitch and support your community. I feel very good about the opportunity to do that and we’ve done that other times, long before an election was looming ...

“My view is that regardless of the timing as people may perceive it to be related, it really isn’t. When these funds become available, when opportunities become available, I like to get right in there and support very, very worthwhile causes which these are. These are all the kinds of things we can relate to. Community centres are used and enjoyed by everybody in the community. The Legion, it’s the least we can do to pay tribute to our gratitude to our veterans. For me, it’s got nothing to do with that although some people may frame it that way, but it’s not what it’s about,” Fantino said.