Back to SearchThe City of Kitchener is ready to begin the process of building a new older adult centre that will meet the needs of the City’s aging population. The new centre will be welcoming, accessible, modern and include amenities like a gymnasium, large multi-purpose rooms, accessible washrooms and other spaces that are specifically designed for older adult programming.
On April 29, 2024, City Council approved a three-phased approach to advance the Rockway Centre redevelopment project, which includes a request for information, community engagement and a request for proposal. The City has begun that process with a request for information (RFI) seeking input and information from interested partners to collaborate on a new centre.
“Kitchener’s growing population of older adults deserve a modern, purpose-built facility that is designed to meet their needs and provide a special place to gather and call their own,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “For years, the greatest strength of Rockway has always been its people—the users, volunteers and staff. This new facility will be an opportunity to take that strength and potentially make it even stronger through collaboration with some other amazing community partners.”
The City is exploring two options to replace Rockway Centre: building a new older adult centre on a new site near the current location or building on the current Rockway Centre site at 1405 King St. E. No decisions have been made about where the new centre will be located. The City believes it would be beneficial to find a partner to redevelop the older adult centre and hopes to gain a better understanding of the options partners may be open to through the request for information process.
“It’s exciting that Kitchener’s older adults can look forward to a new, more modern facility,” says Councillor and Community & Infrastructure Services Committee chair Margaret Johnston. “The City is committed to working with older adults from across the city to create a centre that will better meet their needs while also providing a warm and welcoming space for them to call their own.”
City council endorsed a staff report on April 29, with direction to move ahead with redeveloping Rockway Centre. The request for information (RFI) is now available on the City’s bids and tenders website. Responses will be accepted until Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1 p.m.
To stay up to date on the Rockway Centre redevelopment, visit www.kitchener.ca/rockwaycentre.
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For more information, contact
Shawn Falcao
Manager, Corporate Communications
City of Kitchener
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca
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