Private community centre gets public boost
Last Updated: Wednesday, September 3, 2008 | 7:14 AM AT
CBC News
Murphy's Community Centre in Charlottetown found out on Tuesday that it will receive a large government donation toward its plans to become more accessible for physically disabled people.
'They have to go in through a back entrance … and it's not very inviting.'— Ray Murphy
The funding for the community centre was included in nearly $4 million in funding announced Tuesday for Charlottetown under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund (MRIF).
Under the Municipal Rural Infrastructure Fund, the centre, the province and the federal government will share equally the nearly $700,000 cost of renovations.
Money from MRIF typically goes to municipalities for infrastructure and sports venues. The bulk of Tuesday's announcement does go to such projects, including more than $2 million for sewers and sidewalks and $400,000 for a new roof on the 18-year-old Civic Centre.
The municipal projects are jointly funded by all three levels of government.
It's rare to see a privately run organization tap in, and Murphy's Community Centre owner Ray Murphy told CBC News Tuesday it was a challenge to convince everyone his centre should get money.
"You have to give a good explanation as to why you want it. That took some planning and some explaining, but I have to say they were very receptive at the end," said Murphy, who is also president of Murphy's Pharmacies.
Under MRIF guidelines, a private business is eligible for funding as long as the municipal government for that area passes a resolution supporting the project. Murphy took over the old Basilica Recreation Centre two years ago, and operates it as a non-profit organization.
The centre has bowling, a gym, and rooms for meetings and events. Currently, getting into and around the 45-year-old building in a wheelchair is difficult.
"They have to go in through a back entrance at the back of the gym and it's not inviting and it's not welcoming," said Murphy.
Work will begin on a new elevator for the building this winter, and Murphy expects all the renovations, including work on the main entrance, to be done by the spring.
