July 21, 2026
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Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was in Kincardine, Tuesday morning, presenting provincial funding to Drop-in at the Bridge, and Community Living of Kincardine and District, to support local programs.
In a press release, issued Tuesday, Thompson said the two funding announcements are part of almost $500,000 given to groups in Bruce County to improve quality of life, support local organizations, and help municipalities build stronger, more resilient communities.
“Strong communities are built through partnerships and investments that respond to local priorities,” she said. "Whether it's improving food security, helping seniors remain active and connected, preserving our rural heritage, enhancing our downtowns, or strengthening emergency preparedness, these investments will make a meaningful difference for residents across the county. I'm proud our government continues to support organizations and municipalities that work every day to make our communities healthier, safer and more vibrant."
ONTARIO TRILLIUM FOUNDATION GROW GRANT
Thompson joined Wes Larson, executive director of Drop-in at the Bridge, and Michelle Lamont, new manager of the Free Food Store, which is now located in the basement of Kincardine Baptist Church.
Drop-in at The Bridge has been approved for $333,400 over three years through Ontario Trillium Foundation's Grow Grant. The funding will expand food access for residents facing barriers by enhancing the organization's Free Food Store, rescued food distribution network, and professional ready-made meal production.
Larson says that between the food store and the downtown drop-in location, the organization will serve about 20,000 meals this year to those in need.
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (right) presents an Ontario Trillium Foundation Grow Grant of $333,400 over three years to Wes Larson (centre), executive director of Drop-in at The Bridge, and Free Food Store manager Michelle Lamont
SENIORS COMMUNITY GRANT AND SENIORS ACTIVE LIVING CENTRE PROGRAM
Community Living of Kincardine and District will receive $24,993 through the Seniors Community Grant to expand its successful Active Living 55-plus program.
The funding will support the program by increasing the number of workshops, events and community-connection activities available to adults, aged 55 and older, helping promote social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement.
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (centre) presents a Seniors Community Grant of $24,993 to Andy Swan (right), executive director of Community Living of Kincardine and District, and Jodee Beer, co-ordinator of the Active Living 55-plus program
Community Living will also receive $55,704 through the Seniors Active Living Centre Program to continue delivering a wide range of programming for more than 1,300 older adults and seniors. Programming includes educational sessions on dementia, aging in place, wills and estates, technology training, fitness and movement classes, arts and culture activities, local history, nature hikes, games, and opportunities to build meaningful social connections.
Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (centre) presents Seniors Active Living Centre Program funding of $55,704 to Andy Swan (left), executive director of Community Living of Kincardine and District, and Jodee Beer, co-ordinator of the Active Living 55-plus program
RURAL ONTARIO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Through the Rural Ontario Development Program, the Friends of Historic Cargill group has been approved for $10,275 to support the Cargill 1880 Historic Schoolhouse Emergency Restoration and Stabilization Project, helping preserve an important piece of Bruce County's rural heritage for future generations.
The Municipality of Brockton will also receive $23,019.50 through the Rural Ontario Development Program for its Brockton Welcomes You initiative. The project will enhance community signage, lighting, and streetscape improvements, creating a more welcoming and vibrant environment for residents and visitors.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GRANT
In addition, the County of Bruce is receiving $50,000 through the Community Emergency Preparedness Grant to purchase three mobile digital signage trailers. The trailers will improve the county's ability to communicate critical information during emergencies, including fire bans, road closures, water-supply issues, severe-weather events and other public safety situations.
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
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