Saugeen Shores is hoping for federal cash towards arena upgrades.
Council has approved making a grant application to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program for several projects.
Priority has been given to accessibility improvements at the Southampton Coliseum and The Plex in Port Elgin.
The Ontario Arena’s Association has identified both facilities do not meet regulations requiring proper safety netting around rinks to protect spectators from flying hockey pucks.
Accessibility upgrades are also needed at the Coliseum in order to meet new provincial requirements and a new sound system is planned for the facility.
Community Services Director Mike Myatt says priority has been given to the arena upgrades because of the safety and accessibility needs.
Myatt says the possibility of having up to 120 thousand dollars in government funding for 180 thousand dollars in work makes the projects more attainable.
140 thousand dollars has also been requested for the Accessible Playground project.
The town has also applied for 90 thousand dollars towards upgrades at Fairy Lake that include reconstructing the dam, replacing the bandshell, and improving walkway accessibility.
A request for 30 thousand dollars has been made for the construction of an accessible walkway on the north side of the Saugeen River near Scubbies Point.
30 thousand dollars from the federal program has also been requested for completion of the Gore Drain Trail between MacGregor Point Provincial Park and CAW Road.
Councillor Fred Schildroth is concerned about how many municipal dollars would have to be spent if the town is successful in getting the federal recreation grants, along with other infrastructure grants it has recently applied for.
Treasurer Lori Sweiger will compile a list of all grant applications that have recently been authorized and the financial implications involved.
Chief Administrative Officer Ron Brown says the recent round of grant programs are unprecedented but not always the best example of planning.
Myatt says if the recreation grant applications are successful, it will reduce the burden on taxpayers for future capital projects.