Big Investment For The Y.M.C.A Other Ontario Rec. Facilities

Canada and Ontario Invest in Improved Community and Recreation Infrastructure in Elora and Guelph

Today, Lloyd Longfield, Member of Parliament for Guelph, His Worship Kelly Linton, Mayor of the Township of Centre Wellington; Jaya James, Executive Director of HOPE House; and Peter Sweeney, Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Three Rivers, announced joint funding for three community and culture infrastructure projects in Elora and Guelph.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $3.4 million toward these projects, with the Government of Ontario providing over $2.8 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. The Township of Centre Wellington is contributing over $1.3 million, the YMCA of Three Rivers is investing over $790,000 million, and HOPE House is contributing over $146,000 towards their respective projects.   

The first project announced today will support the renovation and expansion of the Elora Community Centre. The project includes the replacement of the arena floor, board, and glass, in addition to the refrigeration system, and upgrades to the front entrance, dressing rooms, viewing areas, washrooms, doorways and corridors to improve accessibility. The scope of work also includes the installation of an emergency generator, solar panels, and the construction of a new mechanical and ice resurfacer room. This project will improve accessibility to recreational infrastructure and activities and will increase the centre’s services to youth and seniors.

Funding will also support the renovation and expansion of the YMCA of Three Rivers in Guelph. The project involves a three-storey addition to the YMCA, which will add a footprint of 2,000 square feet to the facility, resulting in 6,000 square feet of new space. Additional renovations include the installation of fully accessible private changing stalls and relocating the customer service desk. This work will allow the YMCA of Three Rivers to provide more accessible recreational space and activities for those with disabilities and families with young children.

Finally, the rehabilitation of the 100-year-old church building and the addition of a three-storey community centre will allow HOPE House to improve and expand its important services for residents in Guelph. The scope of the work includes masonry upgrades and the rehabilitation of the building’s flat roof. HOPE House supports residents by providing food, groceries, clothing, and numerous community projects to thousands of households. This project will allow them to expand their services and support the most vulnerable in the city.

All orders of government continue to work together for the people of Ontario to make strategic infrastructure investments in communities across the province when they are needed most.

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