The Ontario government has announced that they are funding a trio of community centres in Mississauga, Barrie and Bracebridge. The province is committing $90 million to the total $123 million in project costs for two new construction projects and one reconstruction job.
Mississauga
The Star reports that a Mississauga community centre and library is set for a major renovation for the first time in 20 years with the help of the Ontario government. The province is chipping in $45.1 million and the City of Mississauga will contribute $16.4 million for the planned $61.5 million reconstruction of the South Common Community Centre and Library in Ward 8.
Plans for the rebuilt facility include the following:
- New aquatics centre
- Expanded indoor and outdoor fitness spaces
- Gymnasium
- 16,000 square foot library
- Multi-purpose rooms for the community
- Improved accessibility
The city previously tried to fund the South Common renovations through its Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program application in 2019. If that funding had been approved, the city's share would have been around $16.4 million, with the federal government paying $24.6 million and the province paying $20.5 million.
Reconstruction of South Common will include demolition of the existing structure and planning and consultation for the renovation project will begin in 2022.
Barrie
Ontario Newsroom stated that Ontario is investing over $29 million in a $40 million community hub in downtown Barrie. The new community hub will be operated by the YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka and will include:
- Licensed childcare spaces
- Youth centre with transitional housing and outreach support
- Rehabilitation space for cardiac and cancer post care patients
- Various recreation areas for fitness programs
The Ontario government is investing in this project to help strengthen and protect communities, like Barrie, create jobs and contribute to the province's long-term economic recovery.
Andrea Khanjin, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks stated that this new hub will help accelerate the region's post COVID economic recovery by creating many jobs for the people of Barrie and will provide support for our youth through outreach and transitional housing. It will also strengthen our community by promoting healthy active lifestyles through fitness programs.
According to Simcoe News, the new YMCA will be built near the old site of Barrie Central Collegiate near Bradford Street and Dunlop Street.
Jill Tettman, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka stated that they are working closely with the city and with HIP Developments to determine the best spot for the 77,000 square foot building.
Bracebridge
Ontario Newsroom states that the Ontario government is investing over $16 million for the construction of a $22 million Multi-Use Community Centre in Bracebridge.
The new centre will include:
- 1,000 seat single pad arena
- An area for a second ice pad to be retained for later
- Modern public library
- Shared community hall
- Accessible indoor multi-use field house
- Concession/cafe
- Outdoor playground, trails, and open spaces
- Common lobby area
- Ample on-site parking
An article in The Star reported that the Government of Ontario is investing $16,862,234 million toward this project through the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund Priority Local Infrastructure stream, while the Town of Bracebridge is providing more than $42.8 million toward the estimated cost of the entire Multi-Use Community Centre project.
The program mix will bring together community activities and library services that will help the increased density and the demographic and cultural realities of a growing community.