More space, more seniors, more community activities … seemed to be the focus of the grand reopening of the Victoria Park Seniors Centre here on Oct. 1.
In a time when the number of Canadian seniors exceeds the number of Canadians under 15 years old, the expanded Victoria Park Seniors Centre (VPSC) is a welcome addition to the community.
VPSC advisory board chairman Stan Fleming welcomed those at the opening “to a bigger and better Victoria Park Seniors Centre.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Michael Chong thanked council and all those involved in the expansion.
“Your contribution to our local community is so very important,” said Chong.
He stated that four years ago the Canadian government declared Oct. 1 as National Seniors Day because “Seniors are an increasingly important part of our society.”
Chong, noting there are now five million seniors in Canada, stated, “Your contributions in the community and in the workplace is vital to the quality of life you enjoy here in Centre Wellington and it will become ever more so.”
Chong told the crowd there is one senior for every seven Canadians, and in 20 years that number will rise to one senior for every four Canadians.
Chong said “this centre will help seniors in our community come together … and I look forward to seeing you here for years to come.”
Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott’s executive assistant Judy Brownrigg offered a message on behalf of Arnott.
“I want to extend my sincere thanks to those involved. Since 1992, the Victoria Park Seniors Centre has provided programs to support active healthy lifestyles for older adults,” said Brownrigg.
The new expansion will allow the centre to offer a greater range of social , health, recreational and educational activities and program.
Fleming noted that during his 20-plus years as a volunteer he found tremendous support from successive municipal administrations – first at the Fergus town level and later at Centre Wellington Township.
He too noted the growth in the senior population, noting, “We’re growing every year and the politicians are going to have to listen to us … aren’t they?”
While significant work has been done, Fleming said there is considerable work still to be done to the older centre, which is the reason for fundraising.
Mayor Kelly Linton said “the fact the room is packed for an event such as this, proves what kind of community you’ve built here.”
He congratulated the staff and the volunteers who dedicate thousands of hours.
“Today we are celebrating the expansion to the building, but without the people it would be just a building. We put our imagination to action and now we are looking at a finished centre.”
He spoke of the numerous programs offered through the centre.
“This was an expansion that was very necessary and received unanimous support from the township council,” said Linton.
Councillor Fred Morris said late last year he was appointed to the board – something he had wanted for a long time.
Morris quipped that during the previous term, he had suggested to mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj “… this would be the place that would be good for me.”
He explained that he knew he was rapidly advancing to the age of 65 and, “I’ve passed that milestone now.”
Morris explained, “I think we need a facility where we make a statement – that we value the wisdom and the knowledge of those who have lived their lives, and have gained through their personal experiences a wealth of understanding about life itself.”
Centre Wellington CAO Andy Goldie said it was seven or eight years ago when the seed was planted within the strategic plan.
“But it was the overwhelming support of the community which made this happen,” said Goldie. “It’s taken a lot of amazing people to make this thing happen.”
Managing director of community services Brian Detzler gave special thanks to centre staff, who kept the facility operating even though it was under construction. He also thanked the community of Centre Wellington, stating, “Without you, this would have never happened.”
Detzler explained the centre has almost 800 registered members, plus others who take part in programs on a “hit and miss” basis.
Tours of the centre were offered later in the afternoon.
