By Jenn Watt

Funding for the visitor centre planned for construction in Haliburton’s Head Lake Park will receive a large financial boost from FedDev Ontario’s Canadian Experiences Fund.

On Monday the federal government announced the Municipality of Dysart et al would receive $375000 to build the accessible visitor centre which is to include gender-neutral washrooms and tourism information space.

The idea was first brought to Dysart council by the Rotary Club of Haliburton which is contributing $75000 to the project celebrating the club’s 75th anniversary.

Construction is expected to commence this spring with the building to be completed by the end of 2020.

“Head Lake Park is the centre of action in our little village of Haliburton year round for so many festivals events and everyday activities. We identified a need for accessible public washrooms and a visitor centre years ago but without this support we have not been able to make this a reality. We look forward to the construction of this fabulous new addition to our park” Mayor Andrea Roberts said in a press release.

Minister of Economic Development Mélanie Joly said that the investment would draw more visitors to the park and enhance year-round tourism experiences.

With files from Chad Ingram