from www.edmonton.ca

Excavation Begins for New $6M Community Centre in Boyle Renaissance
Boyle Renaissance Community Centre Project

January 28, 2011

Excavation and demolition work are underway for the new $6 million community centre in Phase 1 of the Boyle Renaissance project. Demolition of the previous Boyle Street Community Hall (built in 1983) has begun.

The first stage of construction will be for the new 14,000 square foot community centre and 70 stall underground parkade. The highly anticipated community centre will include a City-owned community facility operated by the Boyle Street Community League on the main floor of the building.

The centre’s design reflects extensive community consultation to meet current and future community needs. It will feature a large multi-purpose flexible space that can be booked by groups for meetings and activities. It will also include a small theatre, program rooms and a larger kitchen, as well as regulation sized courts for basketball, volleyball and badminton.

The new gallery doors will open to the public green space outside to accommodate large festivals and community gatherings. Project completion is targeted for late Spring 2012.

The YMCA Family Resource Centre will be on the second floor and the YMCA licensed Child Care Centre will be on the North side of the new building. This unique partnership will provide more service and recreational opportunities for Boyle Street Community residents and surrounding area.

Boyle Street Community League President Thim Choy expressed, “The original Community Hall was built by true pioneers with community spirit. This building has so much sentimental value. The League provided great community services there and will continue to do so in the new Community Centre.” He also recognized the contributions of the League in moving the project forward. “I’d like to thank the Board for working so diligently to make this a reality.”

Committed to sustainability, Mr. Choy worked hard to salvage as much as possible for reuse by others. Appliances, shelving, cupboards, tables, doors, fluorescent lighting, bathroom fixtures, copper wiring, a furnace and even the kitchen sink were removed and donated to Habitat for Humanity and surrounding community leagues and organizations. Salvage companies removed remaining items.

The City’s Municipal Development Plan, the Quarters Plan and Downtown Plan support Council’s vision for managing growth while creating vibrant and sustainable communities.

“The investment by Council and our valued partners will revitalize The Quarters Downtown and Boyle Renaissance while helping encourage further business and community development,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “Edmonton’s future downtown will be an economic driver and choice destination for living, business and culture. Downtown Edmonton is the place to be.”

Ward 6 Councillor Jane Batty agreed. “The strength and diversity of the residents have helped shape the Boyle Street Community and Community League. Their passion and insight are the heart of the community and have helped define greater opportunities for future services and community participation in the multi-use Community Centre. Council is proud of its partnership and sponsorship with community leagues to support our citizens.”

Franco Savoia, President and CEO of YMCA Edmonton, commented, “The community will be better served with life changing opportunities because of the programs that will be offered as a result of these partnerships. We are excited to see the first part of the project now underway.”

Boyle Renaissance is the City of Edmonton’s plan to invest in and renew the area between 95 Street and 96 Street, from 103A Avenue north to the LRT tracks. This redevelopment will create a community that offers a variety of affordable and market housing opportunities. Phase 1 represents a $42.2 million investment by the Government of Alberta, City of Edmonton, Edmonton YMCA, and Capital Region Housing Corporation. The investment in Edmonton’s downtown east side incorporates the ideas of owners, operators, community service organizations and community residents.

Boyle Renaissance Phase 1 Development Program:

* 150 progressive affordable housing rental units in the YMCA Welcome Village
* Underground parkade accommodating 70 vehicles
* Family Resource Centre providing support to area parents and families
* Licensed daycare to serve 76 children
* 14,000 square foot Community Centre for Boyle Street, surrounding communities and The Quarters Downtown development

Photos of demolition and project drawings available at www.edmonton.ca/boylerenaissance.