$150,000 Ontario Government Grant Boosts Community Engagement in Casselman

Casselman, ON – On Wednesday July 31, local MPP Stéphane Sarrazin met with the Casselman municipal team to witness the construction work funded by a $150,000 grant from the Ontario Government’s Capital Grant Program, facilitated through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).

“As the MPP for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell, it is a great pleasure to see projects like this come to fruition in our riding,” said MPP Stéphane Sarrazin. “This grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation represents a significant milestone for the Casselman community. The new pickleball courts at École secondaire catholique de Casselman are a perfect example of what we can achieve together to enrich our communities and provide quality sports facilities for all residents. This project addresses a growing demand for inclusive physical activities that benefit all age groups.”

Awarded in November 2022, the grant was used to create two new pickleball courts in partnership with the Casselman Catholic School Board, greatly increasing access to this increasingly popular sport across all age groups. The project was also made possible thanks to the Eastern Ontario Catholic District School Board, which agreed to share its land to allow for the construction of these facilities. Students will be able to use the courts during their afternoon classes.

“I am very proud of the work done by the Recreation and Leisure Services team. Instead of a field, we now have two new pickleball courts,” said Geneviève Lajoie, Mayor of Casselman. “This sport, one of the most inclusive, is very important in our community. Thanks to this Trillium Foundation grant and the collaboration with the Eastern Ontario Catholic School Board, we have the opportunity to offer playtime for all groups and individuals interested in practicing or discovering this sport. It’s not every day that a small municipality like ours can afford such a project. Thank you to the Trillium Foundation for believing in us.”

The municipality of Casselman provides a full range of physical activities for all ages and interests. From outdoor hockey and figure skating to baseball, and with seven strategically located parks within the community, the municipality aims to promote physical activity among all residents, regardless of age.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested over $110 million in 1,044 community projects and cross-sector partnerships. The projects aim to enhance economic well-being, promote more active lifestyles, support the development of children and youth, provide spaces for people to gather and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

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For more information, contact:

Mireille Groleau, Communications and Economic Development Officer
Municipality of Casselman
613-698-1372
mgroleau@casselman.ca