Construction will begin on the new Brooklin Community Centre and Library this summer on the site of the current Brooklin branch library and the former Fire Hall on Vipond Road. The 40,000 square foot two storey building will include a new and larger branch library, seniors' activity centre, a youth centre, pre-school program space, gymnasium, a large multi-purpose room and a number of smaller meeting and craft rooms.

The Vipond Road site was chosen as the ideal location in central Brooklin for it is within easy walking distance for many residents. The Community Centre and Library will enhance the downtown and is expected to be a catalyst for economic development. The building will highlight the natural beauty of the site and has been designed and oriented on the site to take advantage of existing open areas and the natural forest setting. The spaces within the building have also been carefully designed to welcome visitors to the various activity areas surrounding a common lobby and central exterior courtyard. The natural stone and wood exterior finishes of the building will be carried on throughout the interior, where vaulted wood deck ceilings and natural flooring materials will be combined with splashes of vibrant colour to create a rustic yet very contemporary feel.

These sustainable materials, combined with a very sophisticated energy management design, will ensure an efficient and environmentally sustainable facility. The mechanical, electrical and data communication systems will be of the most current design and highest quality of energy efficiency. The automated building systems will maintain optimal conditions throughout the facility at all time based on the nature of the activity and occupancy levels. Even the lighting levels will be controlled based on the amount of natural light that filters into the various program spaces. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2010. Library services will continue throughout the construction in a temporary location at 150 Winchester Road, the former sales pavilion for Melody Homes.

• Brooklin Community Centre Project Information and Temporary Library Branch Details
• Brooklin Library Branch Temporary Location Map

Fundraising and Sponsorship

Public fundraising for the new Brooklin Community Centre and Library has a champion in the Optimist Club of Brooklin. In 2008, the Club demonstrated great civic leadership by pledging $100,000 to the project. The first installment is expected at ground breaking this fall. The Brooklin Optimists are a service club with a focus on youth and service. They have a long history in Brooklin providing youth basketball, volleyball and other programs, and partnering with the Town in providing a series of youth dances.

In recognition of their donation, the gymnasium will be named the Brooklin Optimist Gymnasium in perpetuity. As well, one of the public meeting rooms will be titled the Brooklin Optimist Room for the next ten years. Further major gifts to the new Community Centre are anticipated. Whitby has a history of civic-minded corporations, organizations and individuals who have stepped up and contributed materially to the success of important projects. Their names are associated with features in many of our public buildings from arenas to libraries, and are a lasting testament to their legacy.

Tel: 905.668.7765
parks.rec@whitby.ca