At last week's special city council meeting, General Manager of Community Services, Jim Jones approached the council about applying for federal funding in the form of the Canada Community Revitalization Fund.

The Government of Canada recently announced that the Canada Community Revitalization Fund CFE to help communities across Canada build and improve community infrastructure projects so they can rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic with the national investment of 500,000,000 / 2 years. 

The Fund's purpose is to support not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other community groups as well as indigenous communities to assist with Community, vitality, support, social and economic cohesion, and help reanimate communities across Canada.

Jones detailed that the fund would be used to build a new community inclusive accessibility playground project as he explains.

"In 2011 the city of Swift Current community services began with the initial approach of retro-fitting ACT park to provide enhanced accessibility playground features in our community. ACT park was completed in 2014 and although a great park, since its development, designs and standards have improved to provide enhanced concepts and structures for opportunities of play."

In terms of a potential location, Jones mentioned that the city has been in talks with the province about acquiring the former Palliser Care center site off of Gladstone street west and Central Ave south. The 3.7-acre property is adjacent to the current one-acre green space that the city owns and provides a perfect opportunity for the community of an inclusive accessibility playground.

Jones explained their desire to build a stand-alone park.

"We're looking at a playground that could be stand-alone as opposed to trying to retro-fit another playground to it. We already have ACT that is, but we see it as a potential for a destination park that people would come to. With that, you would probably need a small parking lot because it is a destination park."

If approved for federal funding, funding requests can be up to $750,000 and are on a 75% cost share with the city being required to put up a minimum of 25%. 

The motion to apply for the funding was passed.