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Provincial funding provides boost to Machin

The Municipality of Machin, including the Happy Go Lucky Seniors Centre, receives provincial investment for active living upgrades.
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Vermillion Bay (Photo from Wikipedia)

MACHIN — The Municipality of Machin, including the Happy Go Lucky Seniors Centre, is receiving $240,000 from the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility and the Ontario Trillium Foundation for active living upgrades in the community.

New playground equipment will be installed near the waterfront in Vermilion Bay, with $106,000 going toward that work.

"we think it will be a great thing for the community if there will be activities for seniors, but also the seniors can take their grandchildren down to the waterfront,” Mayor Gord Griffiths said.

Although the playground equipment will be enjoyed by children, Griffiths said the renovation of the area also includes walking trails and picnic areas, which can be enjoyed by seniors.

The Happy Go Lucky Seniors Centre will be receiving $133,000 toward their operating budget, improvements to their wireless internet, purchase of an online booking system, laptop and sporting equipment, as well as, a full-time Recreation Facilitator, and art and yoga instructors.

During the pandemic, the seniors centre purchased virtual reality technology to host “Armchair Travel” events as part of the centre’s programming.

“We can move into the era we are living in now. We were behind, so we’re upgrading some of the electronic equipment,” Griffiths said.

Griffith said the hiring of a recreation facilitator for the senior centre has greatly benefited the community. Prior to having that full-time position, seniors were transported to Dryden to participate in programming.

“We just didn’t have the programs operating here,” said Griffiths. “With the facilitator now, we’ve started a lot of different programs and we are still testing the waters as to what’s working and what’s needed. It’s been very interesting for us and we are very pleased with how it’s turned out.”



Clint Fleury

About the Author: Clint Fleury

Clint Fleury is a web reporter covering Northwestern Ontario and the Superior North regions.
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