TORONTO - More Ontario schools will be open to community activities for people of all ages after an increase in provincial funding.
Premier Dalton McGuinty says the $20 million annual budget for community use of schools will be increased to $66 million over the next four years.
He says the funding will also provide free after-hours access to about 500 of Ontario's most cash-strapped schools.
Speaking at a Toronto school, McGuinty said he wants schools to be "hubs of the community during the school day and after school hours.''
He added that "learning and growing doesn't stop when the school bell rings or when you reach a certain age.''
The funding also makes it more affordable for youth, seniors and adults to use schools for meetings, practices and other activities.
