June 14, 2021: As provinces across Western Canada take steps to re-open, Co-op Community Spaces is funding projects that will help bring communities back together.
This year, Co-op is providing $80,000 to upgrade the Vermilion ice rink which will benefit the local community and many local teams for years to come.
“It is an honor to have our organization and project to be the recipient of the Community Spaces Grant. As you know the money will be put towards the upgrade to our community ice plant. Like most small towns on the prairies the two ice rinks and curling rink is the hub in our community and the loss of it would have been detrimental to our citizens and businesses. Co-op has been part of our community for many years and for many years to come. Thanks again for being so easy to work with on this grant process.” said Kevin Martin, Vermilion Rink Facility Enhancement board chair.
Co-op Community Spaces has been developed to help protect, beautify and improve spaces across Western Canada. As our community begins to re-open after the COVID-19 pandemic, we are reminded of the value these projects bring in connecting and improving our communities.
“We are so excited to partner with Vermilion Facility Enhancement Board through the Co-op Community Spaces program. The last 15 months have been very challenging and it’s such an honor for our Co-op to contribute to maintaining a space for residents to safely come back together” explained Graham Getz, general manager Cornerstone Co-op
“Investing in our community is central to our values as a Co-op. Partnering with community groups on important projects like this is a natural fit. We are creating beautiful spaces for our community to enjoy now and for years to come.”
In 2021, the program is providing $1 million to 15 communities projects across Western Canada. Since 2015, Co-op has supported 147 projects with $10.5 million in capital funding.
The giving program is administered by Federated Co-operatives Limited on behalf of more than 160 independent retail co-operatives across Western Canada that form the Co-operative Retailing System.
For more information about Co-op Community Spaces or to view the complete list of 2021 funding recipients, visit www.communityspaces.ca.