County boosts Arden revitalization

Oct 25, 2012

For two years, the Friends of Arden have been tackling everything from major clean ups, to park improvements, sign installations and trail building. All of the initiatives have been undertaken with volunteer labour and the only funding the group has received has been from private donations, although they have successfully petitioned Central Frontenac Council for road and infrastructure improvements.

Now, Frontenac County has awarded the grass roots community group a grant of $10,000, through the County's Support for Smaller Scale Sustainability Initiatives, which allocates $50,000 each from federal gas tax rebate revenue.

“The group is thrilled that our application was successful and that everyone's efforts are being recognized. We were getting worried about how long we could keep going without any significant resources,” said Dorothy Procter, the 92-year-old founder of the group.

“This grant will help with the design and installation of signs that will include maps, promote local businesses and provide other related information for visitors,” said Terry Kennedy, the chair of the Friends of Arden. “The grant represents a much-needed boost for the whole community. This is still just the beginning and hopefully there will be much more to come over the next two or three years,” he added.

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