Kitchener seeking ideas, feedback for Rockway Centre redevelopment

The City of Kitchener is looking for community engagement for the redevelopment of the Rockway Centre, gathering feedback for programs and features people want for the new facility.

In a release on its website, the city says it’s hoping to transform the facility into a new, dedicated centre for older adults, hoping to update the cherished community hub.

This comes after city council approved a three-phased approach to advance the Rockway Centre redevelopment project back on April 29. A month after, the city began the process with a Request for Information, which sought input and information from potential partners to collaborate on the new centre.

Now, the project is entering its second phase, with the municipality seeking community engagement through various in-person events as well as an online survey.

“By centering this engagement on the voices of older adults in our community, we can create a modern, purpose-built facility that better meets the needs of Kitchener’s aging population and serves as a hub for age-friendly programs, activities, and meaningful community connections for generations to come,” Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said in a press release.

The focus of the facility is said to build a welcoming, accessible, modern new area that includes amenities like a gymnasium, large multi-purpose rooms, accessible washrooms, and other spaces specifically designed for older adult programming.

The community engagement period will last from now through September 30 before the next phase begins when the city will file a Request for Proposal once everything is formally detailed. During this time, feedback can be given during various in-person events held between now and the closing date, with an online survey also now active and can be found at www.EngageWR.ca/Rockway.

“There are many ways for older adults to get involved in this exciting project and significantly impact the next phase of the redevelopment process and the future look and feel of the facility,” Margaret Johnston, Ward 8 Councillor and Community and Infrastructure Services Committee Chair, said.

The list of in-person events to provide feedback includes:

• Rockin’ it at Rockway: Share your feedback and enjoy a free ice cream treat during the show at Rockway Centre on Aug. 14 and 21, from 6-8 p.m.
• Welcome Back BBQ: Give input during a special encore Rockin’ it at Rockway event on Sept. 11 from 6-8 p.m. featuring live music and a free BBQ at the Rockway Centre.
• Coffee Socials: Share your thoughts over complimentary coffee and tea at Rockway Centre, Sept. 12 noon-2 p.m., Kingsdale Community Centre, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-noon, Rockway Centre, Sept. 18, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Breithaupt Centre, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

“The city is committed to building a centre that residents will enjoy and love as much as the current Rockway Centre. By hearing from a diverse range of older adults, we can best understand their needs now and ensure we plan for a facility that will continue to meet those needs well into the future,” said Johnston.

As the project continues, the municipality says it is committed to working with current users of the centre, as well as older adults from across the city, to create a space that better meets their needs while providing a warm and friendly environment to call their own.