The community of North Buxton could use some support in getting a $50,000 grant, and it's as easy as a click.
North Buxton is one of eight communities -- four in Ontario -- hoping to win a grant from Pioneer’s “Here’s to Hometowns” contest. The four communities selected as the winners will be given funds to improve their specified project.
Shannon Prince, the curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, said the project that the grant would support if awarded, would be a new pavilion. The North Buxton community sees several people during the Labour Day long weekend for the annual Homecoming celebrations. Prince said they usually rent a tent for the event so it would be nice to have a permanent home for local residents and visitors to meet.
"We had been discussing for quite a few years now, it would be nice to build a permanent structure because even though we do utilize it Labour Day weekend it will be used throughout the year," she said. "There are times when we have several family reunions that would like to book at the same time -- or now there's even the opportunity to have other events throughout the year."
Residents can vote to support the North Buxton project online until December 10, through the “Here’s to Hometowns” website.
According to a media release sent by Pioneer, more than 70 communities across Eastern Canada entered submissions for the grant.
Prince said she's proud that North Buxton has made it this far in the contest. It also acts as an opportunity to inform people of Buxton's history regarding the underground railroad.
"We're very honoured to be able to represent Chatham-Kent in the greater scheme of things, but also we're hoping that we do get that support," said Prince.
The winners will be announced in January 2019.