The fund to build a new LaRonde Cultural Centre in Timmins is just over the halfway mark, following a cheque presentation earlier this week by Ontario northern development minister Greg Rickford.
It was a grant of $1-million. LaRonde executive director Lisa Bertrand says that brings the fund to about $3.5-million. The target is $6.5-million
The LaRonde board is meeting regularly with an architect to hammer out final details.
“It’s going to be a beautiful centre,” says Bertrand. “It’s going to have so many different activities and for the whole community to enjoy.”
Fundraising continues and more grant applications are being prepared.
The LaRonde board has its eyes on seeing shovels in the ground. “We’re hoping if everything goes well, in the spring,” Bertrand states.
And completion of the single-level building? “If everything goes well, 10 to 12 months after that.”