Toronto to upgrade 30 community centres, install Wi-Fi at dozens more, city says | CBC News

The city is investing millions of dollars to revitalize Toronto’s 30 most-used community recreation centres and to provide free Wi-Fi at dozens more.

The “refresh program” includes fresh coats of paint, updated interiors, modern furniture, charging stations and repairs of structural features, the city said in a news release Tuesday. The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

At a press conference Tuesday at the Port Union Community Recreation Centre, Mayor Olivia Chow said the improvements will cost around $50 million.

“Community centres are the hearts of our neighbourhoods,” Chow said.

“Many of our Toronto community centres are aging. Sometimes the washrooms, the hand dryers don’t work. Some of the doors don’t lock. Some of the equipment is several decades old.”

The upgrades are designed to make the centres more inviting and to provide safe spaces for Torontonians to gather and connect, the news release said.

The city said it considered several factors when selecting which centres would get improvements, including their current condition, their location, and equity considerations for under-served neighbourhoods.

Wi-Fi access being expanded

The city said it will also be installing charging stations and free public Wi-Fi in 126 community centres by the end of this year through its ConnectTO program.

The move aims to ensure all residents have access to reliable internet, regardless of their income or background, said the city in the release.

“We need to continue advocating for access to critical community resources so people can thrive and build themselves while connecting in safe and inclusive spaces,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie, who is also chair of council’s infrastructure and environment committee, in the news release.

Chow said the improvements will “breathe new life” into the city’s public spaces.

“Together, we can fix what’s broken and get our city back on track,” she said.