Community Members Reunited as Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre Reopens

September 21, 2012

Friends and neighbours gathered on September 21, 2012 to mark the reopening of the newly rebuilt and improved Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre.

“This is a very happy occasion. The centre is more than just a building – it’s a community gathering place,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre is a place for seniors to get together to socialize, learn new things and stay physically active – all of which are vital in maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.”

The centre had been closed since January 2011, when the roof and a wall of the auditorium collapsed. Thanks to the quick-thinking and preparedness of facility staff, everyone in the building was evacuated safely and no one was injured.

“The building looks fabulous. I am very impressed with all the work that has been done to the facility,” said Hugh Newell, president of the North Edmonton Seniors Association, the independent, non-profit society that manages programs and assists with events and services at the centre. “With over 400 programs offered each year, and an annual attendance of 130,000, we are excited to get things up and running once again.”

During the building’s reconstruction, washrooms, doorways and access points were made more accessible for patrons with mobility issues, and classrooms were redesigned to increase their versatility and create more functional spaces. During the rebuilding process, aging infrastructure was retrofitted and the whole building was given a fresh coat of paint.

The cost of the reconstruction was $5.8 million, with the City’s insurer picking up the majority of the cost for returning the building back to its original configuration prior to the collapse. The City invested $680,000 toward the building enhancements with an additional $162,000 contribution by the North Edmonton Seniors Association. 

“The centre has been rebuilt and is better than ever,” said Maggie Nichol, facility manager. “The seniors in the community definitely missed us, so we’re excited that our renovations are complete and our doors are finally open. We’re ready to get back to full operation and are now accepting registrations for our fall programs.”

Located at 7524-139 Avenue, the Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre is an active-living centre offering recreational, social and educational programs, events and services that promote wellness, independence and community involvement. The centre also provides seniors information about housing, health, transportation, home and social services. 

 

For more information:

Northgate Lions Seniors Recreation Centre

7524 139 Avenue

Telephone	780-496-6969