Private Redeemer College gets public cash

Two private schools – one of them Ancaster-based Redeemer University College – are getting more than $1.5 million from the provincial government to fix up or construct new soccer fields.

The money, which matches grants from the federal government under its recreational infrastructure program, was targeted for municipalities, native communities or, like the two schools, non-profit organizations.

Using public money to subsidize private schools – especially a religious one – flies in the face of Premier Dalton McGuinty's statements during the 2007 election when the issue dominated the campaign.

Collingwood's Pretty River Academy is receiving a total of $507,334 from both levels of government to fix its rundown field and eventually add a cover dome.

Redeemer University College in Ancaster – a religiously based school – is receiving a total of $2.6 million to redo one field and build another, with a cover dome and field house. Pretty River has promised the public will be allowed to book fields during non-school hours; Redeemer says some public access will be granted.

"Every parent I've spoken to can't believe their money is going to build a soccer facility owned and operated by a private school," said Collingwood resident Lorne Kenney, who has started an online petition asking in part that the federal and provincial governments rescind the grants and instead give the money to public facilities.