The provincial and federal Governments are pitching in to expand the Ma-te-Way Activity Centre to include an Indigenous Cultural Centre.
The Bonnechere Algonquin First Nation Indigenous Cultural Centre is part of a multi-million dollar push from both levels of government to help rebuild businesses and promote job creation post-pandemic. The expansion will also include an additional ice pad, a walking track, fitness centre and gymnasium, as well as several multipurpose rooms. The federal government is investing $6.4 million into the project while the Government of Ontario will invest $5.3 million. The last $4.2 million chunk will be covered by the Town of Renfrew.
Mayor of Renfrew Don Eady said the relationship between his town and the Algonquins has been long-standing. He says the creation of the new cultural centre will nurture bi-cultural awareness, and allow both to share traditions, customs, and spirituality.
The presentation was also attended by Renfrew-Nippissing-Pembroke MPP John Yakabuski and Federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna.