MP Ben Lobb was on hand at the Bayfield Arena on July 3, 2014 to congratulate the Bayfield Mews for establishing a multi-purpose recreational program for the community of Bayfield with the help of a $25,000 grant from the New Horizons for Seniors Program. The federal program provides capital assistance for new and existing community projects and/or programs for seniors.

Early this year Bayfield Mews made a presentation to Bluewater council to use the arena for pickleball and shuffleboard courts when the ice surface is removed during the summer and to use the Varna complex in the winter when the ice surface is in the Bayfield Arena.

The grant funds were used to purchase nets and paddles for four pickleball courts and the equipment for two shuffleboard courts. In addition, court time has been purchased so everyone can play at no charge for at least a year. This will give a chance for people who are unfamiliar with the game to come and try the sport without investing in equipment. It will also be a chance to establish a Club that can operate the program and make the program sustainable in the future.

“On behalf of Bayfield Mews, we are extremely pleased with the way the program has turned out. Working in co-operation with the municipality of Bluewater to have an indoor venue means the program can operate all year. Since the program started in late April, attendance has grown steadily with an average of 20 players daily. It is great to see folks out having fun and getting some exercise at the same time. The New Horizons for Seniors Program made it all possible,” said John Elmslie, President of the Bayfield Mews.

“Our Government recognizes the valuable contribution seniors have made to our society and the economy. By supporting New Horizons for Seniors Program projects, we are acting to ensure that seniors maintain a good quality of life and continue to be active members of their communities,” said Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb.

Pickleball is a racquet sport that is rapidly growing in popularity. It attracts a wide range of ages, but particularly seniors, due to the slower speed of the ball and the size of the court which is just under one-third of the total area of a tennis court. This smaller area combined with the slower moving ball makes pickleball much easier to play and far lower physical impact than tennis.

The hours of play at the Bayfield Arena are Monday evenings 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. If you have not tried it, come out and give it a try. It is free and all you need is a pair of running shoes or court shoes.

Goderich, Ontario—Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron Bruce will join some of the NHL’s brightest stars to help support three strong community partners. Hometown Heroes “Raise a Little Health” charity hockey game in July will support the Goderich-Huron YMCA’s Strong Kids, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health and Alexandra Marine & General Hospital.

What: Hometown Heroes “Raise a Little Health” charity hockey game

When: Thursday July 24^th. Doors open at 6pm, the opening ceremony is at 6:45pm, puck drop is 7pm

Where: Maitland Recreational Centre, 190 Suncoast Dr E Goderich, Ontario

 Players who are joining the roster include Current NHL’er for the Colorado Avalanche Ryan O’Reilly and Former NHL’er and Stanley Cup winner Boyd Devereaux. Other players participating in the game will be announced throughout the month.

The goal is to raise $50,000 for these three organizations who are working to improve the health and wellness of so many in our community.  You can purchase tickets at Huron Bruce MP offices in Goderich and Port Elgin, Gateway Centre in Seaforth, Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Gift Shop and Goderich-Huron YMCA.

“This is truly a unique opportunity for our community to raise money through the game of hockey to support three different organizations that work very hard to make sure our community is healthy.”

-Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb

“We want to acknowledge Ben Lobb for suggesting the concept of a celebrity fund raiser hockey game and for all the energy and ingenuity he has put into it.  We want to thank Brian O’Reilly for allowing us to build on his annual hockey game for fund raising purposes and for helping recruit a great bunch of NHL players for this event.  We are pleased we are to be able to work with Ben and Brian, Alexandra Marine & General Hospital and the YMCA in Goderich to build a significant charitable event. Funding to build healthy bodies, health research and health care here in Huron. For Gateway, the funding will be used to employ locally the bright minds of young people, to help us solve the health problems and remedy the health issues that are endemic in rural Canada. It is great fun helping to organize such a worthwhile event. We look forward to July 24^th Hometown Heroes “Raise a Little Health” Charity Hockey Game.”

- President, Board of Directors Gateway, Gwen Devereaux

"AMGH appreciates being one of the 3 recipient organizations to receive funding from this Hometown Heroes ' Raise a Little Health ' Charity Hockey Game on July 24th. We are really looking forward to a great evening of fun & entertainment!  Thank you so very much for supporting your local hospital to help fund the equipment needs in our emergency and critical care areas. "

-AMGH CEO, Karen Davis

“We want to provide opportunities for young people to reach their potential achieve their goals and improve their lives.  Last year, one in six kids coming to a YMCA Health, Fitness & Aquatic Centre required financial assistance, and that need continues. The YMCA Strong Kids Fundraising Campaign helps eliminate the very real financial barriers these children face, and without it we would not be able to serve them. We want to provide a healthy, safe and positive environment where children, teens and young adults can flourish, and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, along with generous donations from local businesses help make that a reality.”

-Co-ordinator, Community Recreation & Programs, Anne-Marie Thomson

April 24, 2014 – Clinton, ON – Status of Women Canada

On behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, today announced Government of Canada supportto increase economic opportunities for women in Huron County and surrounding areas. 

Rural Response for Healthy Children is receiving funding to develop strategies to help women access new economic options in Huron County. The organization will collaborate with women in the community, businesses and other stakeholders to identify and leverage opportunities for women to participate in the region’s economy.

This project was selected through the Government of Canada’s call for proposals entitled Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women.

Quick Facts

• Status of Women Canada is providing $176,000 to Rural Response for Healthy Children for this 24 month project.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has delivered more than $54 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects that promote women's economic security and prosperity.
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 720 projects across Canada.

Quotes

‘The Government of Canada is increasing economic opportunities for women across Canada. This investment is an example of how we are providing communities with the resources they need to help women achieve economic success, while helping Canada prosper.”

- The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

“Our Government is proud to support Rural Response for Healthy Children to provide women in our community with increased access to economic options. By mobilizing community resources through collaborative efforts, we are making a real difference for women in Huron Country.”

- Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament, Huron-Bruce

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Government of Canada to help women find greater economic success here in our own community. By working with community organizations and businesses at the local level, more women in Huron County will be empowered to achieve this goal.”

- Pam Hanington, Program Coordinator, Rural Response for Healthy Children

Related Products 
• Call for Proposals: Opening Doors: Economic Opportunities for Women 

Additional Links 
• Information About Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca

Harper Government Invests In Recreational Fisheries Conservation Projects In Huron Bruce

The Government of Canada to invest up to $5.5 million to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program

Member of Parliament Ben Lobb, on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, today announced that, under the second round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, the Government of Canada will provide up to $53,000 to the Lake Huron Fishing Club to conserve fish habitat in Saugeen Shores and Kincardine.

The Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program was announced in Economic Action Plan 2013 to support fisheries habitat restoration projects led by recreational fishing and angling groups, as well as conservation organizations. Given its early success and high demand, Economic Action Plan 2014 increased the funding available through the program by $15 million, for a total investment of $25 million.

Quick Facts

• With the funds the club will be able to determine which streams and rivers will support the natural reproduction of fish and wildlife.
• With that knowledge, the Club can focus its energy on creating healthy ecosystems within those streams to further enhance recruitment of young of the year fish.
• Under the first round of the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program, up to $1,239,448 had been made available for 16 projects in Ontario.
• Up to $5.5 million for 128 projects to restore recreational fisheries habitat through Round II have been approved nationally.
• A third window for funding applications will be open shortly. Details about eligibility and how to apply are available on the Program’s web site (www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.html) where you can also sign up for updates.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to supporting the individuals and organizations who are working along the shores of lakes, rivers and streams across this country to protect and restore fishing habitats for future generations. Recreational fishing is an important economic activity which attracts thousands of visitors to Canada and contributes billions of dollars to our economy every year. The projects funded by the Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnerships Program will benefit Canadian communities for years to come.”

Huron Bruce MP- Ben Lobb

“Today’s announcement that the Lake Huron Fishing Club has received a Federal Grant from the DFO for $53,000 will propel the Club well into the future as it pertains to stream rehabilitation along the eastern shore of Lake Huron. Specifically, our focus will be between the Saugeen and Penetangore Rivers inclusive. With the support of Strategic Partners such as Bruce Power and the DFO, the Lake Huron Fishing Club will now be able to determine, with certainty, which streams and rivers will support the natural reproduction of fish and wildlife. With that knowledge, the Club can focus its energy on creating healthy ecosystems within those streams to further enhance recruitment of young of the year fish. I would personally like to Thank Ben Lobb on behalf of the LHFC for his continued support in our efforts to make our rivers and streams in Grey and Bruce Counties Environmentally Sustainable.”

Vice President of the Lake Huron Fishing Club- Michael Hahn