ELORA – After extensive renovations and a new name, the township would like to invite the community to the official re-opening of the Jefferson Elora Community Centre (JECC) on Jan. 5.
The event will take place from 12:30 to 4pm and will include free public skating, tours of the renovated space and speeches from government dignitaries at 1:30pm.
The township received funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) Community, Culture and Recreation stream to rehabilitate and renovate the facility.
The federal share was $1,998,958, and the provincial share was $1,665,632.
The township kicked in about $3 million, bringing the total price tag for the project to over $6 million.
The project involved:
- replacement of the concrete ice pad, arena boards, protective glass system, and ice-making refrigeration equipment;
- updated refrigeration/mechanical room and equipment for life cycle replacement while maintaining standards and best industry practices under the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA);
- building modifications to meet accessibility standards under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), including providing accessible dressing rooms, an accessible area for viewing the ice surface, accessible washrooms, entrances, and doors; and
- lobby renovations for improved customer service and traffic flow.
“The reopening of the Jefferson Elora Community Centre highlights the important role that community centres play in strengthening connections and providing accessible spaces for shared learning and activities,” said Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis, on behalf of minister of housing, infrastructure and communities Sean Fraser.
“The revitalized Jefferson Elora Community Centre will continue to serve the community of Centre Wellington and help to foster healthy, inclusive, and close-knit communities.”
“I would like to recognize and thank the governments of Canada and Ontario for their foresight in creating this revenue stream,” said Mayor Shawn Watters.
“Recreation facilities are at the centre of sustainable, healthy, and inclusive communities.
“This project has removed barriers to the facility and will improve access to community and recreational activities for our residents and visitors to the Jefferson Elora Community Centre.”
Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure, agreed.
“Our government is proud to support the renovation of the Jefferson Elora Community Centre to improve access to community and recreational activities for residents and visitors of Centre Wellington,” Surma said.
Holiday public skate schedule
For those who can’t wait for the official opening, there will be a few public skates at the JEEC over the holidays:
- Jan. 2, 1 pm, sponsored by SM Polymers;
- Jan. 3, 1pm sponsored by Central Church;
- Jan. 4, 1pm sponsored by Central Church; and
- Jan. 5, 2pm sponsored by Township of Centre Wellington.
There are also public skates at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex over the holiday:
- Jan. 2, 2pm – P.Hannifin Hose Products;
- Jan. 3, 2pm – Optimum Int. Health;
- Jan. 4, 2pm – Meadows Music Festival; and
- Jan. 5, 2pm – Fleming Fast Freight.
For more information on the re-opening event, and to follow the renovation process, visit connectcw.ca
