City of Kitchener celebrates grand reopening of the Mill Courtland Community Centre
Kitchener, ON - The City of Kitchener celebrated the grand reopening of the Mill Courtland Community Centre today, following more than a year of extensive renovations and expansion work. This $5.32-million project was funded in part by the Government of Canada through a $1-million contribution from the Build Communities Strong Fund Community stream, alongside contributions from the City of Kitchener.
Member of Parliament Kitchener-Conestoga Tim Louis, Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Councillors, community members, and City staff were on hand for an official ribbon-cutting to formally welcome the community back to the transformed community centre space. The reopening celebration marks a significant investment in sustainability, accessibility, and community building.
“The Mill Courtland Community Centre expansion is one of four major updates to Kitchener community centres completed this summer and part of the City's commitment to support the people, places and programs that make Kitchener a caring, healthy home for all,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “We are grateful to the Government of Canada for its $1-million contribution and to the many community partners who supported residents throughout the renovation. Together, we have delivered a modern, accessible and sustainable facility that will allow us to expand programs and services to this neighbourhood for generations to come.”
“The extension of the Mill Courtland Community Centre created room for additional programming and activities and resulted in a more accessible and greener building,” said Tim Louis, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy and Member of Parliament for Kitchener—Conestoga. “The Government of Canada is proud to support infrastructure that provides space for Canadians to connect and participate in community life.”
The expansion includes a new 2,755 square foot addition that features a multi-purpose program room, recording studio, office space, meeting room, and storage areas. Upgrades to interior finishes for a more modern and welcoming aesthetic, universal and accessible washrooms, HVAC, mechanical, fire and electrical upgrades complete the interior. And outside, a new roof and windows, a new basketball court, enhanced greenspace, new storage building and winter rink shed, as well as accessible walkways, parking spaces and entrance features are ready for use.
“The Mill Courtland Community Centre plays a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening a sense of belonging in the neighbourhood,” said Debbie Chapman, Ward 9 Councillor. “With more space for City programs, community partners, and neighbourhood-led activities, this expansion will help more residents connect, learn, recreate, and support one another. It is a direct result of the feedback we heard from the community and an investment in the wellbeing of neighbourhood residents.”
The City of Kitchener is also grateful to the Mill Courtland Neighbourhood Association and the Highland Stirling Community Group for continuing to run programs during the 15-month facility closure and to the Rockway Mennonite Church, local churches and schools in the neighbourhood for sharing their spaces to allow the community centre to continue to serve residents in the interim.
For more information, visit Kitchener.ca/CommunityCentres.
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Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.