The Newmarket Soccer Club was able to undertake some repairs and renovations at its facility, thanks to two Ontario Trillium Foundation grants totalling $234,700.
The first grant, awarded in the fall of 2023 was for $37,800 to replace the ice guards on the club’s roof, a foundation news release said. And this summer, the club received a $196,900 capital grant to undertake more renovations to its roof, purchase and install a new HVAC system, and to repair and replace some of the building’s doors.
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy visited the club Friday to congratulate the club on the renovations and upgrades.
“I’m thrilled to see the progress the Newmarket Soccer Club has made in updating its facilities,” said MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy. “The Ontario government is committed to revitalizing recreation infrastructure which will support a healthy and strong community.”
With the first grant, the roof's ice guards were removed and metal patches with sealant were installed. The new ice guards, which clamp to side ribs of a panel with no penetration through the roof were then added. By replacing the ice guards, the structural integrity of the roof was strengthened, and the lifespan of the facility was extended, the club said. With the latest grant, over the next year, the club will continue its work to extend the longevity of its building.
“There are simply not enough words to express our heartfelt appreciation for these generous grants,” said Newmarket Soccer Club president Petra Fera. “Replacing the ice guards will ensure the safety of our patrons, but also enable us to keep the facility up to its highest standard. We are so grateful to be able to continue to provide programming for our membership year-round, without the concern of ice buildup on the roof.”
“With the upcoming grant of $196,900, the NSC will be able to address the doors of the facility and furthermore, to also ensure that our doors are fully accessible, which will be able to service additional members of our community,” added Fera. “Not to mention that we would be able to complete more work on our roof and replace our HVAC system, which is on its last legs.”
The Newmarket Soccer Club, established in 1960, is approaching its 65th anniversary. Being able to continue to offer programming to more than 4,000 members year-round in its own facility is instrumental in continuing to be the leading soccer provider in Newmarket, the club said.
As a non-profit organization is currently accepting registrations for fall programming.
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the Newmarket Soccer Club deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Stan Cho. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure that it remains at the heart of the community for decades to come."
The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF provided more than $110 million for 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.
