Canada is known for being inclusive and diverse, and community centres play a big role in bringing people from different backgrounds together. They offer various activities and programs that help people learn new things, meet new friends, and have a good time.
Throughout this blog post, we’ll take you to the different community centres in different settings, like busy cities and peaceful countryside areas. You’ll learn about the exciting cultural events, educational programs, and social projects that make each community centre unique and special.
Let’s dive in and discover the wonders of Canadian community centres together!
What is a Community Center?
A community centre is a place where people from a particular neighbourhood or community can gather, engage in various activities, and access resources and services. It serves as a hub for social, educational, medical clinics, recreational, and cultural activities, catering to the needs and interests of the local population.
Community centres are designed to foster a sense of belonging and cohesion within a community. They provide a safe and inclusive space for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to come together, interact, and participate in a wide range of programs and events.
The specific offerings of a community centre can vary widely. They may include educational workshops, fitness classes, sports facilities, arts and crafts programs, cultural celebrations, support groups, counselling services, job training, after-school programs, and much more. The aim is to promote personal growth, improved communication skills, social connections, and community development.
5 Community Centers in Canada
Ellesmere Community Centre
- Address: 20 Canadian Rd, Toronto, ON M1R 4B4, Canada
- Number: +14163965536
- Hours: 8:30 AM–11:30 PM
Ellesmere Community Centre is a versatile facility that offers a wide range of programs for people of all ages and abilities. They provide various activities such as arts and crafts, ballet, dance, hip hop, piano/keyboard, and visual arts for children.
For adults, there are cardio, muscle conditioning, pilates, tai chi, and yoga classes available. The centre also offers camps, cooking classes for both adults and young children, general interest programs for children and youth, supervised play sessions, and sports activities, including basketball, martial arts, racquet and paddle sports, soccer, and volleyball.
Facilities:
- Craft Room
- Gallery
- Gymnasium
- Kitchen
- Preschool
- Weight/Cardio Room
Flemingdon Community Centre
- Address: 150 Grenoble Dr, North York, ON M3C 1E3, Canada
- Hours: 10 AM- 8:30 AM
- Phone: +1 416-395-6014
Flemingdon Community Centre offers a range of amenities and facilities for people of all ages to enjoy. The centre boasts indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a picnic area, a splash pad, a community garden, and outdoor courts and fields.
Inside the community centre is a special area called Playground Paradise, which features modern play areas, a toddler zone, and a vertical play maze. It is important to note that Playground Paradise has separate hours of operation, so it’s advisable to check the Drop-In Programs schedule for specific timings. Children up to 12 can drop in for free, but they must be accompanied and supervised by a caregiver who must stay within arm’s reach.
The centre also offers party bookings for Playground Paradise; visitors must bring their own socks as they are mandatory for entry. Photography and videography are not allowed during public drop-in times, and large bags and strollers must be stored outside the gym. Food and beverages, including water, are not permitted inside the gym, and the last entry is allowed 15 minutes before closing time.
Features:
- Accessible parking spots free
- Pathway from TTC or sidewalk to the entrance
- Wheel-Trans drop-off/pick up close to the entrance
- Powered exterior door opener parking lot entrance only
- Staffed reception desk
- Access to program areas
- Accessible washrooms
- Water fountains main floor
Queensborough Community Centre
- Address: 920 Ewen Ave, New Westminster, BC V3M 5C8, Canada
- Hours: 7 AM- 8 PM
- Phone: +1 604-525-7388
Queensborough Community Centre is a vibrant and inclusive place to visit, offering various facilities and services for everyone to enjoy. The centre features a fitness centre, gymnasium, and even a branch library. It is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, with features like wheelchair lifts, accessible trails, and fully accessible areas throughout the premises.
For individuals who may require financial or accessibility assistance, the centre provides programs to support them. Additionally, there are several nearby parks and outdoor spaces that offer accessibility options, including hard-packed trails and accessible amenities.
The Queensborough Community Centre is also home to a branch library operated by the New Westminster Public Library. The library offers various materials, including e-books, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs, CDs, and multilingual collections. Please note that library hours may differ from the community centre’s operating hours, so checking their website for the most up-to-date information is advisable.
Community Partners:
- Queensborough Special Programs Committee
- Queen Elizabeth Community School
- Queensborough Middle School
- Simon Fraser Society for Community Living
- Family Services of Greater Vancouver
- Family Place
- Fraser Health
- SUCCESS
- Seniors Services Society
Mount Pleasant Community Centre
- Address: 1 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3H7, Canada
- Hours: 6 AM- 10 PM
- Phone: +1 604-257-3080
Mount Pleasant Community Centre, located at the intersection of Main St and Kingsway, offers a wide range of programs and facilities suitable for individuals of all ages and abilities. The centre features a child care centre, a games room, dance and yoga studios, a gymnasium with a climbing wall, and a fitness centre equipped with a steam room. Additionally, the centre houses a café, the Mount Pleasant Branch of the Vancouver Public Library, and the police bike theft prevention team.
The building itself is recognised as a Vancouver Green City facility and has been certified as LEED Gold, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
The Mount Pleasant Community Centre is jointly operated by the Vancouver Park Board and the Mount Pleasant Community Centre Association (MPCCA). The MPCCA directors meet on a monthly basis to advocate for programs and services at the community centre, ensuring that the offerings align with the needs and interests of the local community.
Ajax Community Centre
- Address: 75 Centennial Rd, Ajax, ON L1S 4S4, Canada
- Hours: 6 AM- 10:30 PM
- Phone: +1 905-427-8811
The Ajax Community Centre (ACC) is a highly diverse facility that offers a wide range of amenities and spaces for various purposes. It includes rooms suitable for meetings, special events, and celebrations, making it an ideal venue for rentals.
The centre features a large Community Hall, a Fitness & Health Centre, a Wellness Studio, squash courts, an indoor pool, and family change rooms. Moreover, it caters to sports enthusiasts with its arena ice pads, outdoor skateboard park, basketball court, artificial turf field, soccer fields, tennis courts, and facilities such as the Ajax Soccer Club Clubhouse, Ajax Cricket Club, cricket pitch, and pavilion.
A Special Occasion Permit (SOP) is mandatory for functions that involve serving alcohol, including beer and wine. The SOP is issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The Ajax Community Centre is a hub for diverse community activities and events. It offers many recreational and sports options and versatile spaces for gatherings and celebrations.
Community Organizations:
- Ajax Boxing Club
- Ajax Judo Club
- Ajax Skating Club
- Ajax Minor Hockey Office
- YMCA Early Years Centre
- Rock Oasis Rock Climbing Facility
- Boys & Girls Club of Durham Region
FAQs
How many community Centres are in Vancouver?
Vancouver is home to a total of 24 community centres. These centres are dedicated to providing a wide range of recreational, social, and cultural activities for all residents.
What is an example of a community centre?
A community centre can take various forms, providing a wide range of services and amenities to cater to the community’s needs. For example, it could be a building that focuses on education and learning, such as a library. Alternatively, it could be an active fitness facility equipped with a weight room and running track, promoting physical well-being. Additionally, a community centre might feature a banquet hall, serving as a versatile space for hosting events and community gatherings.
What are the strategies for earning money with a community centre?
Earning revenue with a community centre can be achieved through various means, including establishing membership programs, soliciting donations, hosting fundraising events, and securing grants.
Who is in charge of community Centres?
The responsibility for developing and managing community centres or community clubs lies with the People’s Association (PA). The PA is in charge of overseeing these centres and ensuring that they effectively serve the needs of the local community.