Today (March 14), the Government of Canada and Town of Whitby announced a more than $1 million investment to significantly upgrade the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre. Read the Government of Canada’s media release.

The project will upgrade key equipment at the facility, resulting in a more comfortable experience for staff and users, reduced energy costs and emissions, and an improved ability to meet the needs of changing activities at the centre. Equipment upgrades will include new air handling units, rooftop unit condensers, replacement of hot water tanks, and building automation system upgrades. Work will also enhance the Customer Service Desk, improving accessibility.

The 55+ Recreation Centre supports senior residents to engage in social and physical activities. Improvements for this facility will help to make the facility more inclusive and accessible for users of all ages, while extending its lifespan and reducing its impact on the environment.

This investment supports the Town’s Zero Carbon goals and Community Strategic Plan objective to “demonstrate  environmental  leadership  in sustainability  and addressing climate change”.

Quotes

The 55+ Recreation Centre is one of Whitby’s most valued community spaces. This investment through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings fund will help us make energy retrofits and accessibility improvements that ensure the facility remains a sustainable, inclusive, and welcoming space. Thank you to Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull and the federal government for recognizing the importance of this project and investing in our community.

-       Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby

Community spaces like the Whitby 55+ Recreation Centre are essential hubs for connecting, pursuing interests, and staying active, healthy and engaged in the community. I’m so pleased to be able to secure another federal investment in our community of up to $798,486 from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program. With this investment the Government of Canada is ensuring that this facility remains accessible, energy-efficient, and sustainable for years to come. Working together with the Town, we are delivering for Whitby!

-       Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Member of Parliament for Whitby

Quick Facts

• The federal government is investing $798,486 in this project through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program. The Town of Whitby is providing $297,121.
• The project will upgrade the HVAC system by replacing mechanical equipment, improving automation, and fine-tuning operations to support net-zero goals.
• Interior renovations will enhance accessibility and improve the user experience by updating the customer service desk, installing new plumbing fixtures and washroom partitions, replacing basement flooring, and refreshing interior finishes.
• High-efficiency windows will be installed to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency. Exterior halide lights will be replaced with LEDs to further reduce energy requirements at the facility.
• Together, all planned enhancements are expected to reduce the facility's energy consumption by an estimated 40.2% and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 18 tonnes annually.
• For more information, please visit the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada website at: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada - Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program.

For media inquiries, contact:

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca

Jillian Follert
Public Affairs Coordinator, Office of the Mayor
Phone: 289.314.9101
Email: follertj@whitby.ca