Grant Program: Recreation Infrastructure Program (RiNC)

Project Summary: East Markham Community Centre & Library

This grant application relates to the enhanced wellness and cultural components of the new East Markham Community Centre and Library (EMCC&L) Project.

The new 130,000 sq. ft. EMCC&L project is presently at the design phase and will primarily consist of such facilities as aquatic, gymnasium, fitness, library and various multi-purpose program rooms for children, youth and older adults.

There will be 5,700 sq. ft. of floor space dedicated to a multi-purpose and rehearsal space, which will include retractable seating for 200 people. This space will afford various musical and other performance groups in the community an appropriate venue for practices and rehearsals. The room will feature an increased ceiling height. Acoustical and lighting design upgrades will be incorporated. Adequate storage for musical instruments will be available. In addition, there will be two smaller rooms designed to accommodate small group practices or instructional sessions. A shared kitchen facility will be available to service the rehearsal room.

There will be an indoor track in the triple gymnasium space. The track will be around the perimeter of the gymnasium and at mid-height of the space. The design will accommodate joggers, walkers and patrons in wheelchairs.

A dedicated indoor children playground space of about 2,500 sq. ft. has been included in the building facility. The space will feature a high ceiling, dedicated washroom, check-in space and boot storage. It will include special equipment for the physically challenged.

A special needs room of about 500 sq. ft. will be featured in the building facility. It will include a sound system and multi-colour fibre optic light features for visual and other sensory stimulations.

The exterior courtyard adjoining the Markham Stouffville Hospital will be developed in partnership with the hospital expansion project. It will be designed as a wellness garden that will become an outdoor focal point for patrons of the two facilities.

Cost & Timeline:

The cost of the enhancement features as described for the EMCC&L project is $2 million. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2012.

Benefits:

The enhanced features as described above will provide significant value to the community. It will provide a “permanent” focal point for the musical and performance groups of the community. Other features will provide, and reinforce, an inclusive environment for the physical and sensory challenged residents of our community.