During Tuesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting in Perth, Director of Community Services Shannon Baillon shared with council that she had recently applied for a grant from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund. This grant would go toward adding a pathway along the river at Last Duel Park and also a Healing Circle, an extension to the Indigenous Healing Garden.

Councillor Brown commented that as an avid walker, she would appreciate an extension of the existing walking trails. “I think this is a great idea, it would be great to have a new path.”

Baillon’s report outlined the financial impact if the application is successful:  “It is estimated that the total cost of the Last Duel Park Pathway and Healing Garden will

be $80,000. The CCRF covers 75% of the cost of the project which would be $60,000.

The remaining $20,000 would come from the 2021 strategic initiatives budget already

approved by Council.” 

Baillon shared as well that Community Services has applied for another Digital Service Squad grant, also known as the Digital Main Street program.  Perth BIA businesses enjoyed the benefits of the Digital Service Squad grant over the past few years; this new grant would be applicable now for businesses outside of the BIA.  This grant enables businesses to establish or expand their online presence.  

Councillor Brown pointed out the huge impact that Covid-19 has had on the way business is done, and notes that this would help those who have “strongly resisted digitizing.”

Director Baillon also brought news of two successful grant applications. Perth was successful in applying for the Reconnect Festival and Event Grant, and was awarded $9987 to put toward a Night Market, which would cover approximately 50% of the cost of the event. The Stewart Park Festival also received a grant which Baillon expects to be put toward the Ennis Sisters’ Christmas Concert.

Article by Janelle Labelle