Rural northern Ont. neighbourhood takes park upgrades into its own hands

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While Timmins City Council continues to debate park rejuvenation, the small community of Connaught has taken matters into its own hands.

A dream turned reality through community effort

Led by longtime residents Linda and Mike Lefort, the Connaught Community Association transformed an empty space into a vibrant multi-court recreation area, complete with a hockey rink in winter.

“You can’t just say, ‘I wish we had this’ – you have to make it happen,” said Linda Lefort, who spearheaded the project. “Somebody told me in Timmins, ‘I wish the city would do this.’ Well, if we waited for Timmins, we wouldn’t have it now. So, we did it ourselves.”

The Leforts, motivated by a desire to create a safe play area for their great-grandchildren and other local families, rallied community support despite initial skepticism. Through persistent fundraising and partnerships, their vision became a reality.

Businesses, the province and even the local prison chipped in

Funding the project required creativity and collaboration. Local businesses, individuals, and even the Monteith Correctional Centre contributed materials and labor. A major boost came from a $311,000 provincial grant, though Lefort clarified that the funds were reimbursed incrementally.

“They don’t just hand you $311,000 – you submit receipts as you spend, and you get portions back,” she said. “We used our raised funds first and stayed under budget.”

The result is a versatile space featuring pickleball and tennis courts, a playground, and a winter hockey rink – all constructed without direct city involvement. Timmins Councillor John Curley praised the initiative, saying, “They’ve done a beautiful, beautiful job. It’s not city-built, but it’s fundraised.”

A safe haven for families – Next up: mini golf

The park has already become a regional attraction, drawing families from Timmins and neighbouring towns. Lefort recalled a conversation with visiting parents: “I asked, ‘What brings you here?’ They said, ‘You have a beautiful playground here, and there are no needles – our kids are safe.’ That meant everything.”

With the court now in full use, Lefort’s next goal is to add a mini golf course next year. Her message to Timmins city council? Spend wisely. “If they paid $100,000 for rubber squares, that’s a big far cry from $1 million,” she said.

The Connaught community’s success proves that with determination and collaboration, even ambitious projects can thrive – without waiting for municipal action.