Minister of Northern Development Greg Rickford (r) discusses improvements to an outdoor rink in Barwick with Chapple Reeve Rilla Race (second from left) October 14, 2022. Supplied photo

The township of Chapple has received a second round of funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund for its project to convert an outdoor rink into a multi-purpose facility.

Chair of the fund and Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford was in Barwick on Friday to announce the township was receiving $360,000.

“Our government’s investment will help build a safe place for families and individuals to participate in year-round recreational activities and events,” states Rickford. “Facilities like this promote social interaction and strong communities.”

This funding will help put a roof over the rink.

Reeve Rilla Race says it is the second round of funding received from NOHFC for the project.

“We got funding initially for doing the base of the rink and replacing the boards. Next year they’ll be starting on the project to put a roof on the building so that it can be used for all kinds of different things apart from skating,” says Race.

A grant of $45,000 last year allowed the township to replace a gravel base with a concrete one.

Race says when complete, the facility will be capable of being used for a variety of activities, not just hockey.

“It could be used for any number of things in the summer, market gardens, yard sales, whatever the public thinks of. They will also be able to use it for things like volleyball or basketball or things that you couldn’t use before with just the gravel base,” adds Race.