MPP Jill Dunlop announces Ontario’s upgrade for local community centre

MPP Jill Dunlop made a stop in Ramara Township, Ont. to share a $150,000 investment that will protect jobs and upgrade the local community centre on June 14, 2025. (Supplied)

MPP Jill Dunlop made a stop in Ramara Township Saturday to share a $150,000 investment that will protect jobs and upgrade the local community centre.

This investment is part of Ontario’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across the province.

“I’m thrilled to congratulate the Township of Ramara on receiving this important funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “This provincial investment will support much-needed repairs to the community centre roof and activity grounds, ensuring safe and accessible spaces for residents of all ages. Our government is committed to strengthening local infrastructure and supporting vibrant, healthy communities here in Simcoe North and across Ontario.”

CSRIF is an application-based program providing investments over two years. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations. It does this by repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces, and building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.

Every year, Ontario invests nearly $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve healthy communities across the province.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”

According to Dunlop, sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating thousands of good-paying jobs in every corner.

“On behalf of the Township of Ramara, I want to sincerely thank the Province of Ontario for this important investment through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund,” said Mayor Basil Clarke, Township of Ramara. “The Ramara Centre is a cornerstone of our community and a place where residents of all ages come together through recreation, programs, and events year-round. This funding will allow us to continue improving and maintaining a facility that is safe, accessible, and welcoming to all.”