MPP Jordan Visits McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society after OTF Grant Success

April 2, 2024

On Saturday, March 23rd, MPP John Jordan met with representatives of the McDonald’s Corners Agricultural Society to celebrate the $114,400 Capital grant they received from the Ontario Government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to create a disaster shelter as well as improve the safety and longevity of the Agricultural Hall.

“Our investment through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of $114,400 towards the renovation and modernization of the McDonald’s Corners Ag Hall infrastructure means area residents can continue a tradition of coming together to celebrate, to socialize, to be informed and to see each other through in challenging times and emergency events. Thank you to Minister Lumsden, as well as the hard-working volunteers who keep the spirit of the McDonald’s Corners Ag Hall alive and well! This investment recognizes and supports your commitment to the strength of rural communities.”

First awarded in September 2023, the project funded the creation of a shelter capable of providing potable water, ample heated space, and access to a full commercial kitchen for use during long-term power outages. The shelter will be powered by a 22KW Generac propane generator capable of servicing the full building and all of its components.

The grant also funded improvements to the Agricultural Hall to improve its safety and longevity. The historic dance hall’s roof was replaced and eavestroughs installed to improve water drainage, and a new fire safety system was also installed in the building along with new fire panels.

“We are honoured to have been chosen by the Ontario Trillium Fund to have been awarded this grant.  This fund has been crucial to funding many upgrades to the Hall over the recent decades, and this grant is no exception.  It is very important to us that we not only be able to maintain the integrity of the building itself, but to offer it as a safe space for the community to gather in times of disaster and prolonged power outages.” – Erica Racette, Vice President

The McDonalds Corners Agricultural Society was formed over 170 years ago by the founding members of this community, and the Hall was constructed to serve as a space for the community to gather, share ideas, promote agriculture, express their creativity through music, and develop relationships with their neighbours.  We are proud to continue this tradition through community dinners and dances, our annual Agricultural Fair, local vendor markets, social nights, and as a space for the community to use for weddings, birthdays, private functions, and now of course when we need each other the most – in a disaster.

“Non-profit organizations across Ontario deliver programming that makes a difference,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “That’s why funding that my ministry is providing through the OTF is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s (OTF) mission is to build healthy and vibrant communities across Ontario. As an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations, last year, OTF invested over $110M into 1,022 community projects and partnerships. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

(Photo courtesy of Lanark Era- pictured left to right: MPP Jordan, Councillor Jeannie Kelso, McDonald’s Ag Society Vice-President Erica Racette)

MPP John Jordan, Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston

613-284-1630

www.johnjordanmpp.ca

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