Rockway Centre in Kitchener to undergo community-driven upgrades
Posted Feb 19, 2025 11:11:15 AM.
Last Updated Feb 19, 2025 12:40:53 PM.
A popular centre for seniors and older adults in Kitchener is getting a significant upgrades steered by suggestions from residents.
In 2024, the City of Kitchener began a public engagement process to guide upgrades to the Rockway Centre on King Street East.
After looking through more than 700 survey responses, hearing from residents at eight engagement events, and visiting 10 facilities, city staff found out what the public wants for the future of the centre.
“Some of the key things they wanted to see were an outdoor patio, a café, and outdoor spaces, and they really wanted to create a welcoming atmosphere,” said Bethany Pearce, supervisor of Older Adult Services with the City of Kitchener.
The building was originally built in 1950 and was originally intended to be a transit terminal. It’s been operating as an older adult centre for 50 years.
“We’ve done our best to make this building work, however the current structure, accessibility, and layout really don’t serve the older adult community well,” said Pearce. “We really need to develop a centre that will respond to the needs now and into the future.”
More than anything, the people who use the centre most want any redevelopment or upgrades to maintain the community feel of the current space.
“The greatest strength of Rockway really is the people,” said Pearce. “We’ve got amazing users and volunteers there, and we really wanted to make sure that their voice was heard throughout this process.”
No decisions have been made on whether the site will be redeveloped or whether a new location will be identified and built upon.
The City of Kitchener will begin the bidding process on a development proposal for the site near the end of 2025.
