The Premier of Ontario was in South Muskoka this afternoon to announce funding for a major infrastructure project in Bracebridge.
Ford announced $16.9 million towards the construction of the Bracebridge Public Library and the Multi-Sport Field House as part of the overall Bracebridge Multi-Use Community Centre. The Town of Bracebridge is providing more than $42.8 million toward the estimated cost of the entire Multi-Use Community Centre project.
Premier Ford told the crowd gathered at the future site of the facility on Salmon Ave he was very happy to be back in Muskoka and in Bracebridge. He said facilities like these are the “heart and soul” of small Ontario communities.
He said the announcement is not just a big one for Bracebridge but also for the province as we move closer to normalcy and out of covid restrictions.
Ford also took a minute to field a question from the local media regarding his thoughts on Canada Day celebrations.
Ford encouraged all Ontarians to use the day as a time to reflect, and said the province will do everything they can to help out Indigenous communities within the province.
He reserved high praise for “mayor of mayors” Graydon Smith and his hard work in pushing the project through after it was initially declined by the province.
“I think you called me literally every single week to see what was going on,” said Ford. “You’re doing your job if you’re calling me every week.”
Smith also addressed the crowd to thank the province for their announcement. He said the project has been one of his top priorities since taking office more than 10 years ago.
MPP Norm Miller also spoke on the importance of a new community area and library facility for Bracebridge.
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