With $40 million in upgrades in place, one of oldest community centres in Mississauga reopens
Published November 2, 2023 at 4:30 pm
One of Mississauga’s oldest community centres will reopen to the public this weekend with a brand new look after being shut down for more than two years for massive renovations and upgrades.
After undergoing a $40-million overhaul, Burnhamthorpe Community Centre in the city’s east end will reopen this Sunday to residents.
City of Mississauga officials say work on the nearly 50-year-old facility is “near completion” and that amenities will open “in a staggered approach for residents to enjoy” from Nov. 5 until Dec. 31.
During that period, free drop-in programs and opportunities to try out new amenities will be available in the hockey/skating arena (which reopened in late September), gymnasium and multi-purpose spaces, officials say.
Access will be on a first-come, first-served basis, so officials caution residents there will likely be lineups and waiting periods.
Major renovations/upgrades to the facility, which was built in 1974, include a new aquatics centre and a new equipment-based fitness centre, among other upgrades and additions (see video below).
Videos
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.
An official grand reopening ceremony is planned for spring of 2024.
Chic Murray Arena, which was also closed for more than two years for extensive renovations, reopened next to the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre in late 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