Provincial Funding Boost to Revitalize South Common Community Centre and Library

Today, the Honourable Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure and Sheref Sabawy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Erin Mills was joined by Mayor Bonnie Crombie and Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney to announce that the City of Mississauga will receive over $45 million in provincial funding towards the reconstruction of the South Common Community Centre and Library under the Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF), under the Priority Local Infrastructure Stream. 

Also in attendance were Rudy Cuzzetto Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Lakeshore, Natalia Kusendova, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Centre and  Deepak Anand Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga-Malton.

“I want to thank the Government of Ontario for this generous investment that will help us meet the needs of our residents. This funding for the South Common Community Centre and Library comes at a time when we are in great need of financial assistance to keep this facility in good working order for all our residents to use and enjoy,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Maintaining our centres, keeping them up-to-date with standards in recreation and technology is an ongoing financial challenge. I am very grateful that the province has recognized this need and I hope to see funding continue to help us do our job as a large Canadian municipality with a diverse population.”

Funding for the reconstruction of the South Common Community Centre and Library will be provided solely through the Government of Ontario at a cost-share of 73.33 per cent ($45,165,414). The City of Mississauga will be responsible for the remaining costs ($16,426,586).

“The South Common Community Centre and Library is vital to the Ward 8 community,” said Ward 8 Councillor Matt Mahoney. “For residents of all ages, it serves as the heart of the community, a meeting space where all are welcome, and provides programs and services that are instrumental to quality of life for local residents. This much-needed funding will help keep this aging centre current and to standard. It means a great deal for our residents that consider this facility a second home and part of their daily lives. On behalf of the Ward 8 community, I thank the Government of Ontario for this support that means so much to so many.”

South Common Community Centre opened to the community in June of 1981 and sees over 700,000 visitors on an annual basis. The indoor pool facility was added in May of 1987 and the library was later added in January of 1999.  In addition to the pool and library, the facility includes an equipment-based fitness centre, gymnasium, meeting rooms, outdoor tennis courts, skate park and splash pad.

“This funding is very welcome as it enables the City to provide the services residents need fulfilling our strategic goals and plans. The project will aim to serve the community through improving the quality of recreational services and implementing higher accessibility and green building standards,” said Paul Mitcham, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer. “Our centres are depended on by so many residents for lifelong needs including healthy and active living, learning, skill development and helping our seniors thrive by staying engaged in the community. There is a direct relation to the quality of life in the community and well operating facilities. The renovations we have planned will have a direct benefit to residents, giving them the services and facilities they need.”

Renovation details

Project scope includes demolition of existing structure, detailed design, and new community centre and library including:

• Public Library
• Indoor pool and warm water therapeutic pool
• Fitness Centre and studio
• Gymnasium
• Community gathering spaces and meeting rooms
• Improved accessibility

Planning and consultation will begin in early 2022.

Please note these links are live for 72 hours. After that, all past press conferences can be found on the City’s YouTube Channel.

Funding Details:

The City originally submitted an application in 2019 under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) – Community, Culture and Recreation Stream requesting funding for the Reconstruction of the South Common Community Centre and Library. The project was prioritized and approved through the Province of Ontario’s Strategic Priorities Infrastructure Fund (SPIF) – Priority Local Infrastructure Stream.

The SPIF is a $200 million fund established to help address some of the unmet demand under the Community, Culture and Recreation stream of ICIP, and support the sport and recreation sector through the provision of funding for critical local community infrastructure projects. This fund did not have a call for applications.

Tags

• Libraries
• Recreation and Sports