City officially opens new Edithvale Community Centre

TORONTO, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - Today, the councillor for Ward 23 Willowdale, representatives of the City of Toronto and members of the community came together to officially open the Edithvale Community Centre at 131 Finch Ave. W. with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Toronto Korean Canadian Choir, Ezgi Music Ensemble and the Intuitive Innovations Big Band performed at the opening, which also featured tours of the facility, program information and sports demonstration classes.

The old Edithvale Community Centre, established in 1984 in the former Edithvale Public School, quickly became a hub for the community and has housed more than 50 local groups, many of which will now use the new community centre. The $14.75 million dollar building was funded by developer levies from projects in the surrounding community. It was designed with extensive community input and features a double gymnasium, banquet hall, youth lounge, seniors' lounge, two preschool rooms, a demo/cooking kitchen, three craft rooms, fitness and dance studios, a weight room and an indoor, elevated running/walking track.

The efficient "green" centre is designed to have lower operating costs and a reduced environmental footprint. Low off-gassing building materials have been selected, and motion sensitive light fixtures and a high performance ventilation system will enhance air quality for the health of visitors and staff.

A portion of the new roof is a "green roof", where a mix of wildflowers will absorb rain water to prevent high volumes of water from being released into the sewer. There is also a large spout which drains some roof water into a newly planted wet meadow below, as well as a highly reflective "white roof" portion which reflects the sun's rays away from the building, aiding in cooling.

The centre is conveniently located near public transit. There is also a path leading to the building for walkers and cyclists, as well as ample bike parking.

Edithvale Community Centre is operated by Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation. It is the first new centre to be opened by the City since 2005.

In addition to being responsible for the stewardship of 7,397 hectares of green space and 1,505 named parks, Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation provides a wide range of programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. The division strives to ensure all Torontonians enjoy active, healthy lifestyles and a high quality of life, supported by leisure and recreation programs, services and facilities, provided in partnership with the community. For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    
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For further information: Media contact: Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, [email protected]