Garnet A. Williams Community Centre in Vaughan reopens following renovations

yorkregion.com
Dec. 14, 2023
Brian Capitao

Thornhill’s Garnet A. Williams Community Centre is once again open after receiving a facelift.

On Sunday, Dec. 10., the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre reopened after extensive renovations. The renovations included a new main entrance, a new arena entrance, a new lobby, a new customer service desk, new activity and program rooms, renovated pool change rooms and a new family change room, renovated fitness change rooms, a new outdoor splash pad at York Hill Park and more.

The Garnet A. Williams Community Centre is Vaughan’s oldest multi-use community centre.

The total project budget for the renovations was $19 million with about $3.9 million partially funded by the federal Canada Community-Building Fund. In Ontario, the fund is administered by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to 443 municipalities.

“I am pleased that the long-awaited renovations at the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre are now complete. The facility plays a vital role for residents: it connects people, provides quality programs and services, and enhances our overall quality of life. The renovations are reflective of the community’s feedback on areas in need of improvement. The revitalized community centre is now more welcoming, more accessible and more sustainable,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca.

Ward 5 Coun. Gila Martow called the centre a “central hive of activity” in Thornhill.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience while the centre underwent vital renovations. Now, we have a new and improved community gathering place for families, friends and neighbours to come together,” said Martow.

The sentiment was echoed by the local member of Parliament.

“Investments in community buildings such as the Garnet A. Williams Community Centre are investments in a strong and healthy York Region. Our federal government’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within our neighbourhoods and communities is unwavering and this is just one more example,” said Markham-Thornhill MP Mary Ng, who is also minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development.