Ground formally broken on Rotary Place expansion project

September 30, 2021 · 0 Comments

By Rob Paul

The Town of Caledon made the Rotary Place expansion official on Friday with a ground breaking event in Bolton.

Mayor Allan Thompson was joined at the event by his Council and representatives from the Seniors Centre, Bolton Rotary, OPP, and the architect and construction team spearheading the expansion, which is part of the Caledon Seniors Centre.

The new expansion will result in an 8,000 square foot single-story structure that includes a connection to the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness, three new multi-purpose rooms, a new kitchen, a new OPP satellite station, washrooms and storage space, and renovations to the existing building to provide administrative offices and enhancements to programming spaces.

“It’s critical that we invest in programs and services to help Caledon residents age in place,” said Mayor Thompson. “I’m excited about this expansion project as it will serve not only our aging population but all community members. To Bolton Rotary and Caledon Seniors, thank you so much for all you do to give us the confidence as Council members — every one of the Councillors put their hand up to support this expansion project. We knew it was a lot of dollars, but we knew it was the right thing to do. All of us did our part and I’m really proud of my Council for taking a hard step, especially with what we’ve been going through, because we knew this was important and we need to get it underway. Thank you to my Council for making the right decision and making all of this possible.”

Originally constructed in 1995, near what would become the Caledon Centre for Recreation and Wellness, the Caledon Seniors’ Centre has long been an important piece to the community.

Currently, the single-story building consists of a commercial kitchen, washrooms, and two large open program spaces, but an expansion has been in the works for year.

Thompson gave special credit to two of his councillors for their dedication to moving the expansion project forward, as well as a long-time Bolton resident whom he says the project wouldn’t happen without.

“I want to give a huge shoutout to the Area and Regional Councillor for Ward 5, Tony Rosa and Annette Groves. They’ve been tirelessly working champions for this project. This expansion will serve our growing community needs in alliance with our age-friendly action plan. I want to say a special thank you to Bolton Rotary and the Caledon Seniors’ Centre. You’re the reason why we’re here today, your partnership and commitment for the greater good for our communities is incredible, thank you. Ross Gray from Bolton Rotary is here, and I’d like to give him a shoutout. If it wasn’t for your tenacity and vision, the seniors place nor where we are with the recreation facilities would be what it is today if it wasn’t for your partnerships, support, and ingenuity to make thinks possible.”

Rita Cantelon, Rotary Club of Bolton President, got emotional reflecting on the effort that has been put forth by all parties involved in the expansion, an expansion process that first began in 2003.

“Today is a big day for all of us as we celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony of the Rotary Place expansion,” said Cantelon. “It was in 1995 we celebrated the opening of the Rotary Place, and our club was actively involved in the planning, designing, and actual construction of the facility. I wasn’t a member in 1995, but since becoming a member, I’ve heard on numerous occasions many of our members who still talk about hanging the drywall, painting, digging the sewers, and insulating the attic. Whatever it was that needed to be done, they did it. They talk about hard work, but I don’t believe any one of them have regretted being part of Rotary Place in our community.

“This day would not have come if not for the hard work and endless hours and dedication of our community, the Caledon Seniors, and the support of the Town of Caledon. We are so proud of what we have accomplished and what we are about to embark on. This expansion will be a tremendous addition to our great community. It has been our pleasure to be associated with the Town of Caledon, Caledon Seniors, and various youth organizations and we look forward to our continued relations.”

Construction, which begins immediately, is being managed to ensure the impact on surrounding residential and environmental areas is minimized. The project is anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2022.