A host of residents, Township staff members and representatives of user groups were on hand Friday as Oak Ridges — Markham MP Paul Calandra and MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek presented this cheque to Mayor Margaret Black and Councillor Bill Cober. A new arena complex for Schomberg has been on a lot of local wish lists for some time.

And the federal and Provincial governments have responded, to the tune of $9.44 million.

Oak Ridges - Markham MP Paul Calandra and MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek were on the front steps of the current arena in Schomberg, along with a host of officials from the Township and community, including Mayor Margaret Black and local Councillor Bill Cober, for Friday' s announcement.

"I'm very, very excited to be here," Calandra announced, commenting he's had a lot of good days since being elected in October. "Today I count among the great days."

He was also quick to praise the professionalism of Township staffers, many of whom were on hand for the announcement, pointing out the applications they had to prepare were very exacting. He also had praise for the work of the members of the arena board.

As well, he commented that Cober was on his case for arena funding, almost from the time of his election. Calandra said Cober phoned him at about 8 the morning after the election to offer congratulations. "I want to talk to you about an arena," he said he added.

He was also pleased with the way he and Jaczek have been able to work together, despite their differing political positions. He called their working relationship "extraordinary."

"We're pulling together to do what we have to do," he declared.

"We might have different political stripes, but we've been working together," Jaczek remarked.

She added a number of people have been asking why there's been this concentration on construction. Jaczek said this will have a benefit on the various local trades involved in the new arena. "It's going to create a large number of jobs locally," she declared.

Jaczek also expressed the hope that the new arena will become a community hub.

Black said the municipality will be on the hook for the rest of the funds for the project, which she said will amount to about $4.5 million. That will involve setting up various partnerships, but she was confident the money can be obtained.

"I'm absolutely sure we can do it," she declared.

There's likely to be some sentimental attachment to the existing facility, which Black said is a "wonderful arena." But she said it's 48 years old. As well, the proposed facility will have additional features, including curling and fitness clubs.

"It will serve the entire community," she added. "It's for King Township."

"This is great news for our community, our township, our province and our country," Cober commented, as he praised the hard work done by Calandra and Jaczek. "It's truly a partnership."

He also reflected that the existing arena has served the community well, but added it's time to look ahead.

"We have a great deal of work ahead," he declared. "We celebrate today, but we roll up our sleeves and get to work tomorrow."

This is the only allocation that has been announced so far for King from the threeway plan for the Ontario and federal government to provide economic stimulus. But the media release issued jointly by Calandra's and Jaczek's respective offices stated the riding will be getting a little more than $87 million in federal and provincial infrastructure funding.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, our government is getting shovels in the ground and flowing money faster to stimulate the economy and create jobs for ontarians," Calandra stated. "Thanks to the strong relationship between our two governments, we can work together to help Ontario communities and the economy thrive immediately and in the future."

"Under the leadership of premier Dalton McGuinty, Ontario is leading the way," Jaczek stated. "We are creating jobs and the decisions announced today will soon lead to improved transportation and enhanced facilities and services in our community."

"Our governments are working together to modernize infrastructure, creating a competitive advantage that attracts business and strengthens our economy today and into the future," she added.