The township of Alberton is celebrating the opening of new facilities at its Millennium Park.
A grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation of $100,000 helped cover the cost of new accessible playground equipment.
Mayor Mike Ford says it is the latest in ongoing improvements that have taken place since the park’s development.
New accessible playground equipment at Alberton township’s Millenium Park, June 25, 2025. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
“There used to be a community hall where the playground actually is now,” says Ford.
“It was in horrible conditions, so it got sacrificed for fire practice. It just left a big empty hole here, and councils throughout the various years added playground equipment, the pavilion, the sidewalks, just slowly adding throughout the years.”
A major renovation to the rink shack was done a few years ago.
Work now continues on a roof over the outdoor rink.
Installation of a roof over the outdoor rink at Alberton township’s Millenium Park, June 25, 2025. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
Northern Ontario Heritage Fund money of $500,000 was announced for that project in March 2024 by then Northern Development Minister Greg Rickford.
He returned for the official opening of the new equipment and to review the progress made on the rink roof.
Rickford is impressed with what the township has done.
“We’re building covered rinks all over Kenora-Rainy River,” says Rickford.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford joins with Alberton township to celebrate improvements at Millenium Park, June 25, 2025. Image: Randy Thoms/Acadia Broadcasting
“It doesn’t just extend the hockey season. Even though I’m a hockey player and hockey enthusiast, this is a story about having a four-season facility in every community. We’re talking pickleball, farmers markets, community garage sales and basketball courts.”
Rickford says it brings the community together and keeps people active.
“I just can’t think of a better use of tax dollars,” says Rickford.
The work on the rink is expected to be complete by this winter.
Ford says the project has generated a lot of excitement in the community.
There is other work planned, including a redesign of the sliding hill.
The township also acquired adjacent property.
“We have ensured to have lots of properties for future expansion, whatever councils of the future may decide they want to add in. It’s leaving the possibilities open,” says Ford.
