Antigonish, NS –On June 16th at the regular meeting of Antigonish Town Council, $157,400 was awarded to 26 local organizations, through the Town’s Community Grant program. Town Council held a Special Meeting on June 11th, to review the applications and allocations that were put forward for approval. Speaking on behalf of Council, Mayor Sean Cameron said, “It is a testament to the commitment of the residents of the Town of Antigonish supporting a wide range of services and activities that Town Council was able to award over one hundred fifty thousand dollars through the Town’s Community Grant program. We thank the many organizations that applied for funding and look forward to seeing the positive results of these investments throughout the Town this year.”
Each year, the Town of Antigonish provides funding to community groups and organizations with the intent of enabling and encouraging citizen involvement in the community and civic events. The Town administers operating grants and in-kind grants (e.g. to borrow equipment, for use of staff time, or for use of Town services).
The Town was very pleased to see an abundance of applications from a wide range of organizations that support the work being done in our community. Antigonish Town Council took the allocation process very seriously, reviewing the impact each group has in building a stronger and more sustainable community for our residents to live, work, and play.
As an example of the diversity of organizations supported, funding was provided to several organizations supporting arts and culture, including the Antigonish Art Fair and Arts House, which host an art fair at Chisholm Park throughout the summer providing exposure for local artists and an opportunity for residents and tourists to experience a wide range of artists’ works. Through the Arts House space is provided for artists to work and workshops and camps are provided for the young and young at heart interested in exploring various artistic mediums.
In addition to arts and culture, the Town supports our vulnerable residents through a grant contribution to the Antigonish Emergency Fuel Fund. The Antigonish Emergency Fuel Fund seeks to offer limited, emergency financial support to low-income individuals and households that are unable to pay the full cost of heating their homes during the winter season. Through the Fuel Fund, individuals and families may apply for help with their heating costs, which includes oil, electricity, and wood. The Fund serves residents in the Town and County of Antigonish.
The Town is also proud to continue its support of the Canadian Association for Community Living Antigonish (CACL). The CACL provides a variety of programs for individuals with diverse abilities, ranging from health and life skills to supportive employment. While a Town of Antigonish Community Grant helps offset some of the operating costs for the CACL, the Town is also pleased to contract services from the CACL, including the flower watering service. Flowers have been placed around town this week and you can expect to see the CACL team, and their watering wagon, keep the plants hydrated throughout the summer, contributing to the Town’s visual beauty – to experience the beauty of humanity stop and chat with any member of the CACL team where the CACL’s vision is realized in “a community where individuals with all abilities are respected, engaged and equally included.” CACL's Executive Director, Jeff Teasdale says, "The CACL is appreciative of the Town's continued support. The Community Grant is obviously helpful, but the Town is also leading by example within the community by contracting our services to provide employment opportunities. CACL Antigonish does subcontract work for the Town of Antigonish and our folks are paid a fair wage for the services they provide. We are very proud of how our Community looks and our role in making Antigonish a beautiful place to live."
Applications open for the Community Grants program in the winter or early spring each year, with final decisions being made and funds allocated after the Town’s budget is approved. For more information about the Community Grants program, or to review the full list of 2025 recipients you can visit the Town of Antigonish website at https://www.townofantigonish.ca/community-grants-funding.html
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Media Contact:
Mikaela Williams
Marketing and Communications Officer
Town of Antigonish
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902-318-6758
