The Mayors of five municipalities set to receive nearly $530,000 in funding thanks to the federal government and ACOA have big plans for the future.

Carol McDonald, Mayor of Portugal Cove-St. Phillip’s, says for the last two and a half years, the pandemic has caused residents to isolate indoors.

With her town’s initiative to create a community splash pad, the goal is to bring people together again – outdoors.

She says people were cooped up in front of screens long enough.

Now, they can use local fields, and the community can celebrate the summer months together, which is what everybody wants.

In addition, the town of Logy Bay-Middle Cove-Outer Cove is installing an energy-efficient lighting system at the Kelly Park softball field.

Pouch Cove will upgrade its town hall to improve accessibility and provide a viewing deck for residents and visitors.

Torbay is constructing an outdoor Picco Ridge Memorial at the museum in memory of those who perished in the 1978 Gander Aviation 80 Aircraft, while the town of Flatrock is planning to renovate its community centre and create a new space for a museum and tea room.