Business View Civil and Municipal | Volume 2, Issue 6

209 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 2, ISSUE 6 of the worst in the area. But thanks to the village receiving a provincial grant for $1.8 million, the improvement project is underway now. Jones says, “Even with the gravel on it, many people have said it’s in better shape now than it was before.” Westport residents are dedicated to seeing the community prosper. A prime example was when a group of people came together to form the Friends of the Arena to help raise funds to update the arena for the local youth who play hockey and figure skate. They raised over a quarter of a million dollars to retrofit the arena with LED lighting, new energy efficient heaters, a new dehumidifier, replaced the centre ice score clock, insulated the exterior walls, replaced compressors and brine supply header pipes, and many other improvements and upgrades. Additionally, they contributed their time to complete much of the labor. Jones knows how much those volunteers mean to the community and says, “They are the backbone of our community. The volunteers are near and dear to our hearts.” The village has made many improvements to stabilize, solidify, and update its harbor docks. Luckily, being at the headwaters of the fabulous Rideau Canal, flooding isn’t an issue. Looking ahead, Jones hopes to see Westport continue to thrive and visitors continue enjoying the village and the Upper Rideau for years to come. V I LLAGE OF WESTPORT , ONTAR IO BUILD WITH CONFIDENCE 9 0 9 4 C AVA N A G H R O A D , A S H T O N , O N K 0 A 1 B 0 www.thomascavanagh.ca 613-257-2918