New developments coming to the Val St-francois

The Val St-francois MRC has been granted subsidies for thirteen development projects totaling $139,371 from the Fonds de developpement des territories (FDT), a fund intended to support communities in development. Included in these projects are grants to three Richmond region projects for non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and municipalities who have plans to improve the quality of live in their region.

All these projects were selected based on the examination of criteria such as the economic development and the cultural and social life in the MRC, according to MRC prefect Luc Cayer, mayor of Stoke Municipality. Included in the list is $12,500 to St Francis Elementary School for improvements to their playground, $7,000 to the Slate Museum in Melbourne for a study on the feasibility of an archeological study in the old Prince Albert quarry in Kingsbury, and $5,000 to construct a service area to accommodate folks at the noon barbecue during Saturday market days at the Melbourne market.

The Richmond County Agriculture Society will receive a $20,000 grant to modernize some infrastructure with improving both public safety and animal welfare planned.

Outlying areas receiving grants as well include the market in Valcourt, the hiking trail in the area of Stoke, a grant to keep WIXX day-camp going for 12 to 14 year olds, construction of a proper Soccer field in Valcourt, the construction of an extension on the new municipal library in Racine to house a small museum and local archival material, and also, for Racine, money for sport equipment and further development of their sports' park. Three bicycle trails in the MRC area which will connect with neighboring trails in the Townships will also get financial help as well as a multisport playground in Lawrenceville. The last of these will convert the tennis courts area to accommodate many sports, increasing the number of activities for local folks of all ages in this municipality.