South Frontenac Twp. fundraising for new Community Centre – Kingston | 24CA News

A $2.6M renovation and growth is about to get underway within the coming weeks.

Physical Fitness applications, meals on wheels, and volunteers driving residents to medical appointments as far-off as Ottawa and Kingston are simply among the providers residents can entry on the Southern Frontenac Community Centre.

Ken Foster is the chief director and says the development work is required to satisfy the neighborhood’s wants for at this time and the long run.

“You can really see the population as it is aging through it is increasing every year and that is just increased what we need to provide,” stated Foster.

Accessibility is a matter that may even be addressed when the renovations are full.

“We do have ramps to get in and out but it’s not enough we have to increase the size of the doors to accommodate walkers to accommodate wheelchairs. We have to provide buttons that people are able to push rather than open the doors,” stated Foster.

The Township’s meals financial institution additionally operates out of the neighborhood centre. For a minimum of a decade the meals financial institution has been housed in a conveyable. Stains from water leaks within the ceiling can been seen within the meals financial institution and the transportable is just too small.

“Our numbers have pretty much doubled in terms of food bank demand,” stated Ellen Mortfield the Family Services Coordinator.

The transportable additionally doesn’t have operating water.

“Operating a food bank that doesn’t have any running water, really we’re not meeting health standards even,” stated Mortfield.

The renovations and growth will add 2,400 sq. toes to the ability and the development work is predicted to take about 9 months.

Fund elevating efforts have been aided by $250K from the federal authorities and an additional $750K from South Frontenac Township.

Mayor Ron Vandewal says the funding is required and is one small approach of easing the burden on a stretched well being care system.

“The province, health care everybody is strained and if you can keep seniors in their homes and provide a service, it’s important for them so they can stay in our communities,” stated Vandewal.

Foster says they’ve raised about 75% of their fundraising objective.

“The people here are just unbelievably generous, with their support they have been volunteering, they’ve been fundraising, they’ve been donating themselves,” stated Foster.

With just a bit extra assist from the neighborhood Foster is assured they are going to elevate the cash they want for the brand new Community Centre.

A groundbreaking ceremnoy is slated for April 5.