Mayor Olivia Chow was joined by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York) and representatives from the City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto in the East Bayfront community to celebrate the opening of a new community recreation centre.
Performers, food vendors, face-painters and DJs set the stage as community members enjoyed concerts, experienced drumming, runway and makeup workshops, basketball, arts and crafts and more.
The East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre is a key component of waterfront revitalization, providing critical community infrastructure that will support this vibrant and growing neighbourhood. The City worked with the development industry and partners to deliver this new facility, located in the base of the new Aqualuna Condominium.
The facility features a full-sized gymnasium, a fitness and dance studio, three multi-purpose rooms and a kitchen. The Centre is open to everyone, and will welcome local Indigenous-serving organizations to provide programing to their clients in the centre’s many spaces. As people begin to use and enjoy the centre, the City will offer opportunities for gathering, ceremony and celebrating Indigenous cultures. This will culminate in an Indigenous name bestowed to the Centre, complementing other Indigenous naming processes on the city’s waterfront.
Investing in Toronto neighbourhoods
The City continues to invest in new community and recreation centres across Toronto, having successfully opened Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library, One Yonge Community Recreation Centre and Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre over the past few years.
Today, construction is underway on the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre, Wallace Emerson Community Recreation Centre and the Western North York Community Recreation Centre. Additionally, project progress continues for the future Ramsden Community Recreation Centre, Lawrence Heights Community Recreation Centre and Downsview Community Recreation Centre. Ongoing investment in community recreation facilities across the city will prioritize equity and reflect the evolving needs of Toronto residents.
Quotes:
“The City of Toronto remains committed to advancing recreational opportunities for residents all across our beautiful city. With two floors of amenities, the East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre will be a great way for the community to come together, get active and participate in community programming.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“I’m thrilled to welcome the new East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre to our fast-growing waterfront neighbourhood for all to enjoy. With incredible views of the water, opening up to the lakeside promenade, and inclusive and exciting programming, this is the kind of much-needed shared space that will be a hub for gathering, recreation and connection.”
– Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York)
The opening of the East Bayfront Community and Recreation Centre marks an important milestone in the transformation of Toronto’s waterfront. At its core, this centre is about people – a space where residents can connect, thrive, and feel at home. It’s a reminder of the importance of building spaces that bring us together, especially at a time when people can feel far apart. It reflects Waterfront Toronto’s commitment to livability, design excellence, and sustainability – the values that guide everything we do to help build vibrant, inclusive communities
– George Zegarac, President and CEO, Waterfront Toronto
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.