After $40-million makeover, 50-year-old community centre reopens in Mississauga
Published January 29, 2024 at 2:49 pm
A double celebration on Family Day will mark both the official reopening of one of Mississauga’s oldest community centres after a dramatic makeover and the city’s 50th anniversary.
After undergoing a $40-million overhaul that took more than two years to largely complete, Burnhamthorpe Community Centre in the city’s east end reopened to the public this past November with amenities available in a “staggered approach” through the end of December.
The grand reopening of the facility, which was built a half century ago in 1974, will take place on Feb. 19. City of Mississauga officials organizing the event say the gathering will also double as one of numerous occasions throughout 2024 when Mississauga’s 50th anniversary will be publicly celebrated.
A tour of the revamped community centre and a slate of family friendly activities are all part of the grand reopening, which welcomes people of all ages from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Planned activities include:
- official opening and plaque unveiling
- food trucks
- live performances
- giveaways
- free “try-it” activities and an interactive drop-in programs
Major renovations/upgrades to the facility include a new aquatics centre and a new equipment-based fitness centre, among other upgrades and additions (see video below).
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The revamped aquatics centre includes a six-lane, 25-metre pool, warm water therapy pool and multi-purpose space for swim parties and other functions, according to the city.
The fitness centre is now equipped with cardio machines, weights and a fitness studio with wood-sprung floor.
Rendering of what the new swimming pool area looks like. (Image: City of Mississauga)
Burnhamthorpe Community Centre also received:
- enhancements to existing multi-purpose spaces to improve social and recreation opportunities for residents
- facility design modernization and improved accessibility within the building
- improved front entrance and access from parking lot
- upgrades to the exterior appearance
- new green space and improved connection to Jaycee Park
- improved sustainable and accessible design standards
“The renovation will provide improved infrastructure for Mississauga’s citizens for generations to come,” city officials said earlier. “This redevelopment project follows the city’s design principles to integrate sound, functional, accessible and attractive buildings, facilities, public and open spaces that build a city for the 21st century.”
The community centre, located on Gulleden Drive near Dixie and Burnhamthorpe roads, underwent a major gym expansion in 2004.
However, the aging facility was due a major overhaul “to meet the needs of the community” when it shut down to the public in early 2021 for renovations, the city said.
Chic Murray Arena, which was also closed for more than two years for extensive renovations, reopened next to the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre last September.
It received the following upgrades:
- refreshed lower and upper arena lobby areas
- new sliding doors to entrance
- new speakers and sound system
- updated vanities in dressing rooms
- fresh paint throughout the facility
- snow melt pit for ice shavings
- roll-out of electric Zamboni