Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae met with the Kinsmen Club of Listowel on Tuesday for an update on the impact of the $130,800 Resilient Communities Fund grant it received from the Ontario Trillium Foundation last year.
The grant was used to modernize and beautify the interior to the century-old train station used by the club and was completed in September.
It will provide the community with an improved experience and extend the life of the building, according to a media release.
Modernizing and beautification projects include new architectural millwork in the hall, new doors and windows, paving the parking lot, a new fire system and a new kitchen cooler. The Kin Station, originally used by the Wellington, Grey and Bruce Railway (starting in 1871) is now used by a number of community groups for meetings, celebrations and fundraisers.
“Local service clubs, such as the Kinsmen Club of Listowel, are the bedrock of our rural communities,” said Rae.
“The Kin Station has provided a reliable space for many local events and meetings throughout the years. This is a great investment that recognizes the location’s importance to our community. I am glad to see our provincial government support our local service clubs.”
Ben Zavitz, President of the Kinsmen Club of Listowel, said the impact of the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant can't be overstated.
“The Kin Station is the cornerstone of helping the Kinsmen Club of Listowel achieve our mandate of serving the communities greatest needs."
The Kinsmen Club of Listowel was chartered in June 1948. Foundational community projects throughout the 75 years include the Kinsmen Pool, Kinsmen Ball Diamonds, and other major benefactor status with the Listowel Library, Listowel Memorial Hospital, and Steve Kerr Memorial Complex.
