Dutton's improved recreation facility and pool facility are ready for the public's enjoyment following the Official Opening ceremony Dec. 22.

The improvement project for the Dutton/Dunwich Recreation Centre at 1 Scotland Street, and the pool facility had an estimated budget of $720,000. Assistance was provided by the Federal and Provincial governments with $240,000 contributed each under the RINC program.

"This project, along with several of the programs such as COMRIF, Building Canada Fund, Infrastructure Renewal Fund and the Gas Tax Transfer have enabled the municipality to make major improvements to our Water Distribution System, roads and culverts, sewage treatment system and our recreation facilities, totaling over $8 million over the last several years," said Cameron McWilliam, mayor of Dutton/Dunwich.

The renovations to the recreation centre included a new front entrance with office space, new roof, new furnace and air conditioning unit and a standby generator.

McWilliam went on to thank Spriet Associates for their contribution to engineering and inspection work, Mycon Construction, who was the general contractor for the project, as well as some local contractors, including Pollard Heating & Cooling, Penny's Plumbing, L.B. Smith Electrical and H.D. Decorating.

"These are great community investments," said MP Joe Preston. "Its these investments that make communities what they are."

The reconstruction at the pool facility next door had an estimated cost of $410,000. The pool facility was almost completely redone, with new flooring, improved washroom facilities, increased office space, and new equipment including a pump, heater, filter and chlorinator.

The pool was originally constructed in 1969.

The municipality established a goal of raising their share of the project total, $240,000, and to date has raised approximately $140,000.