On Saturday, I was proud to attend the grand opening for the new Art Shelter in the sunflower field at Lakeview Village. Thanks to the $103,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to the dance-theatre company Frog in Hand, this will be an exciting new community space for local art programs.

Since last summer, I had the opportunity to announce over $3 million in OTF grants to over 20 local non-profits in Mississauga. This includes $411,000 for DEEN Support Services to expand their program for people living with intellectual disabilities. This includes $350,000 for Armagh House, the only transitional shelter for domestic violence victims in Peel region. This includes $149,000 for Team Unbreakable to expand their free mental health program. The Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters received $21,000 for Indigenous workshops; $191,000 went to the Don Rowing Club; and $99,000 to the Mississauga Canoe Club, where I volunteered as property manager a long time ago.

Earlier this month, our sprint canoeist Katie Vincent won gold at the Pan Am Games in Chile. She was named one of Canada’s flag-bearers for the closing ceremonies.

On behalf of all the members, I want to congratulate Katie. And I want to congratulate all our non-profits for receiving these grants and on everything they’re doing for our community. I want to just congratulate them all for all they’re doing.