Dated June 23, 2026
Merrickville-Wolford, ON – On Tuesday, local MPP Steve Clark met with the team at Merrickville Community Center to hear more about the $197,900 Capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) that was used to install make accessibility upgrades, create a shaded veranda and upgrade the roof and exterior cladding of the building. The project will give people in the community improved access to programs and events at the Centre for years to come.
“For 125 years, the Merrickville Community Centre has brought people of all ages and from all walks of life together for the annual Fair, special events, fundraisers, and celebrations,” said Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds—Grenville—Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes. “I’m pleased the Ontario Trillium Foundation is investing a $197,900 Capital Grant to help renovate the Centre, ensuring this important community gathering place continues to serve Merrickville and area residents for generations to come.”
This project will allow our community to have an accessible, more energy efficient and fully inclusive community building all while integrating the history and heritage of our 125-year-old Community Centre which is a cultural mainstay of Merrickville-Wolford. The project will allow for continued enrichment of lives through arts, culture, and heritage by extending the life of the Community Centre and adapting for the current and future needs of our community by removing barriers for all.
The Merrickville Community Centre building is located near the Rideau Canal and our downtown core. The community center is the hub of activities in the Village including Theatre Night in Merrickville productions, senior exercise programs, community events and festivals, food hamper delivery, dance clubs, youth clubs, private events and classes. The new outdoor space will create shaded space for those visiting the park for events, tournaments and outings.
“We gratefully acknowledge the Ontario Trillium Foundation for its generous support, which has made possible a much-needed renewal and accessibility upgrade of our Community Centre,” said Michael Cameron, Mayor, Village of Merrickville-Wolford. “This investment not only revitalizes a vital gathering place but also strengthens the Municipality of Merrickville-Wolford’s ongoing commitment to creating a barrier-free and inclusive environment for residents and visitors alike. Thanks to this funding, the Village has taken an important step forward in ensuring that everyone—regardless of ability—can fully access, enjoy, and participate in all that our community has to offer.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. 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. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
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Organization Contact for Media Inquiries:
Darlene Plumley, CAO
The Village of Merrickville-Wolford
613-269-4791 ext. 229
