Humber River Centre grand opening planned for February 10

Town staff to offer guided tours of new community space

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Caledon is planning a grand opening celebration for the Humber River Centre. 

The Humber River Centre (HRC) has features like coworking and meeting spaces for businesses, and an indoor-outdoor gathering space for markets.

At 11 a.m. on February 10, the grand opening celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting at the HRC, which is located at 28 Ann Street in Downtown Bolton.

Mayor Annette Groves and members of Caledon Council will be at the ribbon cutting ceremony to deliver remarks. 

From 12 noon to 2 p.m., Town of Caledon staff will be giving guided tours of the HRC where residents can learn more about the programs and services offered there. 

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be demonstrations of the Caledon Public Library's makerspace equipment and a vendor market with over 20 vendors.

Groves said she's excited to be opening a green and accessible space in the heart of Bolton.

“In our strategic plan, we committed to supporting a thriving local economy and the growth of local businesses,” said Groves in a statement. “The Humber River Centre is one of many ways we are acting on that commitment, as this business and culture hub will play a pivotal role in supporting the aspirations of our residents.”

Caledon's CAO Nathan Hyde said the new HRC will have a profound impact on the community.

“This landmark establishment demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and the enhancement of community vitality and livability in Caledon,” said Hyde in a statement. “The HRC is designed to inspire innovation and foster a secure space for residents to come together. We look forward to welcoming our residents at the grand opening.”

The HRC project began back in 2021 when a new fire station opened in Bolton — the HRC is located in what was once Bolton's fire hall. In March of 2022, Council decided that the space would be renamed “Humber River Centre.”

Renovations to the HRC building began in April of 2022, and in January 2023, the Federal Government announced $7.7 million in funding would be given to the Town for sustainable improvements to the HRC.

This funding came from the Canada Community-Building Fund ($3.5 million) and the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program ($4.2 million).

In December 2023, the Town surveyed residents and businesses on what they'd like to see offered in the HRC, and as mentioned earlier in this story, the HRC will officially open on February 10. 

Maninder Sidhu, MP for Brampton East, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, said investments in green community buildings are vital to the wellbeing and growth of communities.

“This new centre will provide residents and visitors with a place to gather and connect, while contributing to a more sustainable environment,” said Sidhu. “The Humber River Centre stands as a testament to our commitment to foster a sense of community and implement sustainable practices that will not only benefit us today but also leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”

Those looking to find out more about the HRC can visit the following website: caledonbusiness.ca/HRC. The site can be used to find upcoming HRC programming, register for a coworking membership, and stay informed on what's going on in the space.