Funding applications underway for three major projects in Elliot Lake

Officials say three buildings in Elliot Lake focusing on arts and culture need retrofitting so the city has begun a grant application.

Council has approved the plan to seek grant funding from the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund for improvements at 40 Hillside Drive North – a former church, the Downtown Arts Centre formerly the Reel-to-Reel Theatre, and the Collins Hall.

Museum curator, Amelia D’Amato, says the fund is offered through the Government of Canada and is available to nonprofits and municipalities adding staff has identified the needs in each of the facilities.

She says the work includes major construction and renovations for the 40 Hillside Drive North facility to minor defects like track lighting at the downtown arts center.

D’Amato says that funding will be vital to moving forward with the projects.

She adds approval can take up to 30 weeks, so with time being of the essence, council has given staff the go-ahead to apply