$8.1M in upgrades coming to 30 Ottawa parks, Bronson Centre, Carlington CHC

Thirty of Ottawas parks are being upgraded, while renewal projects continue at a couple of local community centres, thanks to $8.1-million from government and community sources.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $3.5-million toward these projects, with the Government of Ontario providing over $2.9-million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. The City of Ottawa is investing over $1.4-million in the Centennial Park and playground renewal projects. 

The Manotick Culture Parks and Recreation Association is also providing $93,960 in the Centennial Park project while the Bronson Centre is contributing $596,539 to their renewal project, and the Carlington Community Health Centre is investing $235,162 to upgrade a community service centre.

The project at Centennial Park includes constructing a new skateboard park, two basketball courts, and landscaping to improve accessibility. The city says all non-accessible and outdated playgrounds in 29 other Ottawa parks will be replaced with accessible benches, swings, and play structures. 

The rehabilitation of the Bronson Centre includes renovating the entranceways to improve access, refurbishing the facade's stonework, replacing windows, and upgrading ten studio spaces and the theatre for creative arts use. This work will allow the Bronson Centre to provide continued and improved access to recreational, artistic and other programs and services for culturally diverse and low-income communities across the city.

Finally, the community service centre at Carlington Community Health Centre will be renovated to include expanded and more accessible rooms for large community spaces. An outdoor garden area will also be built to be used as a programming space and children’s play area. The project is expected to improve access to community infrastructure and services, especially for seniors and children.

“Our community, culture and recreational facilities are critical to our residents’ well-being, and their importance has been underlined by the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Mayor Jim Watson. “The City of Ottawa appreciates the investments from our federal and provincial partners, which will help to ensure that these important community assets remain accessible, inviting, enjoyable and safe spaces for our residents for years to come.”