Three iconic Hamilton facilities to get major upgrades thanks to big funding boost
Published February 25, 2021 at 1:01 pm
Ancaster Fairgrounds, The Dundas School of Art and the Hamilton Children’s Museum are slated to get some big upgrades after it was announced Thursday (Feb. 25) that they would be getting millions from higher levels of government.
During a Facebook Live announcement, attended by Hamilton’s mayor, several MPs and MPPs, and community representatives, it was revealed that joint funding of approximately $7.4 million will go to support infrastructure improvement projects at those three sites.
The federal government is investing more than $3.1 million in these projects through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream (CCRIS) of the Investing in Canada plan, while the province is providing more than $2.5 million, with the recipients contributing more than $1.8 million total toward their respective projects.
“The Ancaster Fairgrounds tradeshow and event facilities are currently at capacity and booked almost every weekend throughout the year,” said Flamborough-Glanbrook MPP Donna Skelly, who was on hand to announce the province’s commitment on behalf of Laurie Scott, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure.
“These investments will draw more visitors to these attractions as they recover from the impact of the pandemic.”
The Ancaster Fairgrounds will be getting a new 75,000 square foot building to accommodate larger agriculture events, as well as fairs and concerts.
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The Ancaster Agricultural Society also hopes to host events in the new heated building all year round, which could help in creating more jobs in the area.
“This 75,000sqft expansion allows the Ancaster Fairgrounds to continue to be Rooted in the Community-Growing for the Future,” said Jillian Ferguson, president of the Ancaster Agricultural Society.
A portion of the money will go toward the construction of a 2,600 square-foot addition to the Hamilton Children’s Museum, located in Gage Park, in order to create a larger and more accessible learning space.
Dundas Valley School of Art will also benefit from faucets retrofitted with sensors to improve hygiene, energy-efficient lighting, and upgraded HVAC systems.
“The City of Hamilton is grateful for this investment to enhance and preserve our Ancaster Fairgrounds, Hamilton Children’s Museum and Dundas Valley School of Art,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
“The funding will ensure these iconic culture and recreation facilities are more accessible, energy-efficient and ultimately, see residents and visitors alike enjoy them to their full extent.”
— Photo courtesy Dunsdas Valley School of Art’s Facebook page
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