"As we open this modern and vibrant facility, we are making good on our commitment to provide the seniors in southeast Vancouver with a place to socialize, exercise, relax, share meals together, and have access to a broad range of programs so that they can lead fulfilling lives,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
Almost two decades after the dream was launched by a dedicated group of southeast Vancouver seniors, the long-awaited Killarney Seniors Centre opened today with a community celebration attended by hundreds of seniors, family and friends.
It has five multi-purpose rooms, a roof-top patio, lounge with fireplace and TV, commercial kitchen and accessibility features including an elevator, hearing loops, auto door openers in washrooms and distress buttons.
"As we open this modern and vibrant facility, we are making good on our commitment to provide the seniors in southeast Vancouver with a place to socialize, exercise, relax, share meals together, and have access to a broad range of programs so that they can lead fulfilling lives,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
Once the programs are up and running in August, the new Killarney Seniors Centre will offer:
A Colombia Institute report
says municipal services are becoming increasingly important in
providing the support seniors needs to live in the community and are
usually the first line of defense in maintaining good health.
Park Board Press Release: 28 June 2018
Features
The 10,000 square-foot, LEED Gold certified centre provides opportunities for socializing, healthy meals, and physical activity.It has five multi-purpose rooms, a roof-top patio, lounge with fireplace and TV, commercial kitchen and accessibility features including an elevator, hearing loops, auto door openers in washrooms and distress buttons.
Serving the growing population of seniors
The new centre is attached to the existing Killarney Community Centre, situated in a neighborhood that is home to fully a third of the City’s 27,000 seniors. While there are seven seniors centres west of Cambie Street, Killarney is the first community facility dedicated to serving the growing population of seniors in southeast Vancouver."As we open this modern and vibrant facility, we are making good on our commitment to provide the seniors in southeast Vancouver with a place to socialize, exercise, relax, share meals together, and have access to a broad range of programs so that they can lead fulfilling lives,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Stuart Mackinnon.
Funding
Funding for the $7.5 million centre came from the Government of Canada, Government of British Columbia, and City of Vancouver. The Vancouver Park Board provided the land. The Southeast Vancouver Seniors Arts and Culture Centre Society has been a key supporter of the project.Programs
More than 2,000 seniors currently use the Killarney Community Centre. The number is expected to grow by 15 percent with the new facility.Once the programs are up and running in August, the new Killarney Seniors Centre will offer:
- Instructor-led recreation programs and drop-in recreation activities
- A hot lunch program with a restaurant-quality kitchen
- Off-site excursions and outings
- Special events
- A variety of support services for seniors
A Colombia Institute report
says municipal services are becoming increasingly important in
providing the support seniors needs to live in the community and are
usually the first line of defense in maintaining good health.Quotes from funding partners
Minister of National Defence and MP for Vancouver South Harjit Singh Sajjan
“Our government is committed to providing opportunities for seniors to participate in meaningful programs that contribute to their overall wellbeing and encourage personal growth. We are proud to announce the opening of the Killarney Seniors Centre, which will bring much-needed programs and support services to seniors in southeast Vancouver. This new facility will ensure that Vancouver's seniors continue to thrive.”MLA Vancouver-Fraserview and Minister of State for Trade George Chow
“It is vital that we continue to make investments in infrastructure that keep our communities livable for everyone. With such a beautiful new centre, seniors in Killarney and Southeast Vancouver have a place that supports a healthy, connected and interactive lifestyle for years to come."City of Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson
“Making sure that seniors are active, healthy, and engaged in the community is a key part of building a happy and inclusive city. The new Killarney Seniors Centre will help ensure that seniors can continue living close to the services, amenities and southeast Vancouver community that they call home for many years to come.”Park Board Press Release: 28 June 2018
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