Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Toronto City Council will review a proposal next week that aims to bring the long-awaited Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre closer to reality, moving forward with a project that’s been in the works for over ten years.
Council members will look at staff recommendations to back the community hub located at 1355 Bridletowne Cir. in northeast Scarborough by transferring 5.2 acres of city-owned land to the YMCA of Greater Toronto. The recommendations also ask city staff to investigate other development possibilities for the site, which may include services for seniors and long-term care.
“The Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre has been a community priority for many years,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Moving this project forward will help bring recreation, community programs and vital services closer to home for residents in northeast Scarborough while advancing Council’s vision for this important City-owned site.”
The proposed facility would cater to the Finch-Warden, Steeles-L’Amoreaux and Bridletowne neighborhoods.
The City of Toronto acquired the property in 2011 and has collaborated with the YMCA of Greater Toronto, United Way Greater Toronto, and various community partners to create plans for a multi-service community hub on this location.
If approved, the updated vision for the Bridletowne Neighbourhood Centre would feature YMCA health and fitness amenities, aquatics programs, summer day camps, along with youth, family and senior programming. Additionally, there would be shared spaces for community gatherings and office space designated for local agencies and support services coordinated by United Way Greater Toronto and other partners.
According to United Way Greater Toronto, the neighbourhood centre emerged from years of advocacy by local residents who wanted a single spot where families could access programs and services close to their homes. The organization mentioned that this project would enhance both social infrastructure in the area as well as residents’ sense of community.
If given approval next week, planning can continue for the next phase of this initiative while allowing the city to consider further public uses for any remaining land on site.
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