North Perth council has approved a second grant application under the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program.
This application is similar to the Community Hub Project, but it is under a different stream of the program and will be to renovate and upgrade the Elma Memorial Community Centre in Atwood.
The project would see the building become a digital and community hub and a new home for the Atwood Library.
North Perth Library CEO Rebecca Dechert Sage said the cost breakdown is similar to the recent application for the Listowel Community Hub.
"The total cost of the project, again this is an estimate for the purposes of applying for the grant, is $5.28 million, and that would leave the municipality’s share at $1.4 million," she said.
Like the Community Hub, North Perth would cover 26.67 percent, with the rest split between the provincial and federal governments if the grant is approved. Dechert Sage said also similar to the first project, this project will also be covered by planned reserves in terms of North Perth’s share.
"We do have some reserves built up for that. In combination we are also collecting development charges for the purposes of the construction of the Atwood Library, so that adds on to that," she said. "Then the balance will have to be collected out of fundraising."
Dechert Sage noted that the project will get done regardless of the grant being secured, but without the grant, it will take longer to see the project through.
North Perth Interim Manager of Recreation Amy Gangl said the goal is to establish a multi-purpose hub for rural residents.
"It's a community hall, it’s a recreation area, it’s a library resource, it has a digital cultural centre. So it has an opportunity for our community members, especially in rural communities, to advance their skills and knowledge and advance their education," said Gangl.
North Perth is hoping to hear by the spring if the application is successful.
