$150,000 OTF Grant from the Ontario Government Gives Community a Lift

Cochrane, ON – On Friday, local MPP John Vanthof met with representatives from the Town of Cochrane to hear about the long-term impact that a $150,000 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will have in the community. Funds from the grant, which was awarded in late 2022, were used for upgrades to the Tim Horton Events Centre.

“The Ontario Trillium Foundation does a very good job of picking projects that support the heart and soul of a community,” said John Vanthof, MPP for Temiskaming-Cochrane. “For Cochrane that is the Tim Horton’s Event Centre. The improvements will help residents enjoy it for many years to come.”

Over the last year, the OTF grant was used by the town to replace seven HVAC units at the Tim Horton Events Centre, thus extending the life of the beautiful recreation centre for both residents and visitors alike to the community.

“Recreation and special event centres are the backbone of all small northern Canadian communities,” said Peter Politis, Mayor of Cochrane. “They serve as a communal gathering place, as well as, in many cases, the catalyst for recreation and community events for Northern Ontarians. We couldn’t be more thrilled to receive the ongoing support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation who continue to be an important part of facilitating what we see as the greatest way of life in one of the most amazing backyards on the planet,” added Mayor Politis.

Being the birthplace of the legendary Tim Horton, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and founder in 1964 of the Tim Horton’s doughnut and coffee shop chain. Mr. Horton grew up playing ice hockey in Cochrane and in 1948, he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, eventually winning four Stanley Cups and becoming a legendary player for the historic franchise. And so, this state-of-the-art and newest recreational complex in Northeastern Ontario was named after Mr. Horton.

“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Town of Cochrane deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that the Tim Horton Events Centre remains at the heart of the community for decades to come

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Mayor Peter Politis
The Corporation of the Town of Cochrane
705-272-4361
Peter.politis@cochraneontario.com