Carrot River’s community square project will get its finishing touches, thanks to a large donation.
Federated Co-operatives Ltd. donated $50,000 from its community spaces program, which will allow the completion of the square’s pavilion. A roof and lighting will be added to a concrete base that’s already present on the site. The project should be done by the end of 2017.
“It’s kind of a surprise because we weren’t expecting this at all,” said Bob Gagné, Carrot River’s mayor. “When I was made aware of it, I couldn’t believe it because we’re a smaller community.”
The donation was announced during the Outback Family Festival June 17.
The community spaces program has contributed $2 million to 27 projects across Western Canada this year. Projects in Tisdale, Nipawin and Melfort have received donations from the program in previous years.
Ward Kewley, Carrot River Co-op’s general manager, said the donation was fantastic, adding to the local co-op’s contributions to the square.
“It’s another donation to our community and the square and we, the Co-op, were one of the original investors in this square.”
Kewley said having the square right in downtown Carrot River is a great addition to the community.
“People are using it on a regular basis. I’ve seen weddings there. There’s now walks that are hosted from there,” he said, adding it also boosts community events like the festival and Flavours of the Outback.
Gagné agreed.
“I think it’s fantastic that the whole community – the RM [of Moose Range] and the town and the people of Carrot River. We have a beautiful location here.”
