Residents gathered by the Ottawa River in late August sun in Lefaivre on Thursday, August 29 for the official opening of the new outdoor stage at the Riverside Park.
The project was made possible by a $145,700 capital grant from the Government of Ontario’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) and a $30,000 donation from the Lefaivre Lions Club.
Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Member of Provincial Parliament Stéphane Sarrazin said the Lion’s Club was the force behind the project and the OTF grant helped ensure it could be completed.
“Without them, we couldn’t do these projects,” he said.
Originally planned for 2022 during the process of developing municipal park partnership plans, the goal of this project was to contribute to the development of an active, inclusive and engaged community through the development of a cultural programming venue. The $145,700 OTF grant was a critical factor in the construction of a new weatherproof event stage and the purchase of outdoor chairs. The stage will serve as a gathering place, a shelter, a space for other cultural and community activities, a performance stage and perhaps one day, a festival venue, welcoming the citizens of Alfred and Plantagenet, and surrounding area.
Alfred and Plantagenet Mayor Yves Laviolette said years of planning have gone into the site, which was also the location of a former school. He said the space will be perfect for music and cultural celebrations and appreciates the hard work of the Lions Club and municipal staff in making the new stage possible.
“I want to thank each and every one of you,” Laviolette said.
Alfred and Plantagenet Director of Parks and Recreation Manon Besner said the stage will be a venue for many community events.
“Remember everyone, this is your park,” she said.
Lefaivre Lions Club President Nathalie Beliveau said the club shared the effort with the municipality to bring the stage to an outdoor space by the river for the community.
