Gerry Teahen and Mike Thompson

Sharon Malvern reports in the Stratford Beacon/Herald the official fundraising campaign for the Living Life Project (St Marys Arena Expansion) will kick off in February 2005 with the aim of raising one-third or $4.7 million of the $14-million project from community sources. Coun. Gerry Teahen projected another third would come from the municipality and a third from federal/provincial grants.

Mike Thompson, campaign co-chair, said "Council has accepted the business plan and indicated a desire to move forward. But they will do a municipal review before giving final approval."

Coun. Gerry Teahen said that, during the next few weeks, the St Marys council will meet with the Living Life Project committee to draw up terms of reference. The council will also conduct a feasibility study.

Gerry Teahen Anticipates $4.7 million Provincial Grant

Pat Payton reports Living Life Project co-chair Gerry Teahen's comments on the provincial COMRIF grant program.

"We’re very encouraged by the conversations we’ve had with the various levels of government," Teahen said "We will be formulating a grant application, which has to be in by mid-March, 2005."

Co-chair Mike Thompson added "There’s a new grant program (COMRIF) announced that the project qualifies for. This project is fundable the way the (L.L.P.) business plan suggested it was."

One-third of the cost of the $14 million project is slated to come from federal and provincial grants.