ARMENIAN CENTRE LANDS FUNDING FROM OTTAWA AND QUEEN’S PARK
St. Catharines Standard
July 16 2009
Canada
The Armenian Community Centre is a unifying force for the community
and a well-used gathering place.
But it hasn’t always been geared to young people, who have few
amenities there.
"A gym is badly needed," said Sevag Belian, 15, who attends the centre.
"Our community’s growing, there’s more youth coming and I think a
new gym will meet our needs," Sevag said.
A funding commitment is set to make that happen.
The St. Catharines centre is receiving $458,333 each from the federal
and provincial governments through the Recreational Infrastructure
Canada program in Ontario and Recreation Ontario.
In the joint federal and provincial announcement Thursday at the
centre’s Martindale Road site, organizers said the money will go to
a new gym, play area and other major upgrades.
The centre is paying the balance of the $1.375-million project through
sources such as fundraising and a mortgage.
If all goes well, the work could be complete by late 2010 or 2011.
"It is an exciting day for us here," project co-ordinator Gary
Kavazanjian said at the announcement. "The board of directors has
been working on a plan for renovations and creating an addition to
the existing building for quite some time."
The centre, which has about 200 members, has deep roots in the area’s
Armenian community.