NDP announces $800K grant to build community centre

An $800,000 grant to help fund a community centre for the Chinook Park/Kelvin Grove/Eagle Ridge Community Association was announced Friday by Ricardo Miranda, minister of culture and tourism.

The grant is one of 464 given out as part of the province’s Community Facility Enhancement Program. In 2016-17, $38 million has been distributed through the program.

“Community grants programs help build stronger, healthier and more inclusive communities,” said Miranda. “I’m proud that our government supports non-profit organizations that are working hard, delivering programs and services that make life better for Albertans and give communities an opportu- nity to thrive.”

The $ 800,000 grant is being matched by the community, which has held a wide variety of fundraisers in its attempt to build a new community centre over the past few years. Miranda made the announcement at the communities’ current hall where NDP MLA Anam Kazim, who represents the area, was also in attendance.

“There’s been a ton of volunteer hours, tireless fundraising efforts and ideas over the past few years,” said Merritt Ranseth, president of CKE Community Association.

To fundraise, “many glasses of wine and whiskey have been consumed, amazing food from local establishments; flowers have been purchased and planted; bottles have been collected; and, even an Acura has been raffled,” he said.

Ranseth noted there were limited opportunities to get this kind of grant from the municipal or federal government so he’s very grateful the provincial government stepped in.

Other large grants distributed under the program include $250,000 to help the Kids with Cancer Society of Northern Alberta’s Edmonton branch and $750,000 to help the Bezanson Agricultural Society renovate their current building so they can host large events.

There are also a number of smaller grants that have been given out under the Community Initiatives Program, including $8,350 to help the Calgary Young People’s Theatre Society host the Cannonball Festival of Youth Theatre, and $2,126 to assist Calgary’s Somali Youth League Society.