The Wellington and Area Boys and Girls Club has received a grant from the community development fund to expand the Club, and to turn their building into a facility for the whole community.
The Club had been operating on a seasonal basis. With the renovations, it will be able to offer programs throughout the year.
The renovations will also mean the building will be available to other community groups. A local youth group called La Maison des Jeunes, a computer club for young people and a seniors line dancing group will all find a home in the newly renovated centre. The building will also house a day care centre. There is currently no such facility in the area.
"This project is a great example of what community development is all about," said Development Minister Don MacKinnon. "The community itself has recognized a number of needs and has set about to fill them by bringing together groups from all over the area to work on this project."
MacKinnon is one of four members of the Community Development Bureau. It's comprised of Ministers from four departments - Health and Social Services, Technology and Environment, Education and Development. The Bureau assists communities who identify initiatives which will help them grow and become more sustainable.
The expanded facility will include a teen centre, a computer room, a kitchen and a board room for community meetings. The three-story building will also have an elevator; the entire facility will be wheelchair accessible.
"Projects such as this show that communities are thinking beyond the usual definition of development, " MacKinnon said. "The people in the Wellington area have recognized the importance of serving the needs of all citizens - and how projects such as this can make communities more desirable places to live."
The Community Development Bureau has awarded the Wellington and Area Boys and Girls Club $40,000 from the Community Development Fund. A number of
local businesses and organizations have also contributed to the renovation. The Club expects to have a grand opening in the spring.