A spokesperson for the Hanover Ag Society says they should be able to begin construction on their community kitchen thanks to a provincial grant they have just been awarded. 

Director Curtis Dawydiuk says they are receiving $212,625 through the Building Sustainable Communities program. He notes this is a huge step towards completing their community kitchen and meeting space project. 

Dawydiuk says the vision for this project was part of their active 10-year development plan for the park. He notes it will allow them to expand their rental venues for weddings and outdoor corporate parties.

He explains the licensed commercial kitchen will be a great option for someone who does some canning or other food making, with hopes of selling those items from their home. In order for it to be sold, it needs to be produced in a commercial kitchen. 

"So this will provide that opportunity as a rentable space for something like that without having to go through all the regulations and such of getting your own kitchen on your property licensed," adds Dawydiuk. 

He notes the second story could be used as a small conference centre and for community groups such as 4-H and the Lions Club or first aid and babysitter courses.

According to Dawydiuk, the $212,625 they received will cover approximately 50 per cent of the project's cost. He notes even with some other grant money and fundraising dollars, they are still a few bucks short of meeting their goal. However, Dawydiuk is hopeful they can put shovel in the ground in September. He notes they will be doing more fundraising this year and also have proceeds from their summer events to draw from. 

The community kitchen and meeting space will be built behind their existing main canteen. Dawydiuk is hopeful it will be operational by this time next year.