The Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex (CDRC), which opened in 1977, has been awarded funding through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF) for a $3 million renovation and expansion project.

The ISF funding is a part of the economic stimulus plan, to which the federal and provincial governments have provided two-thirds of the total $3 million budget.

This project is a priority for the CDRC Board of Management, as the building's aging infrastructure is in need of attention and the facility does not meet capacity nor accessibility needs of the grown population.

The Expression of Interest for General Contracting of the project will be released this week and physical construction is scheduled to begin in this fall.

The expansion and renovation will take place in two phases, including renovation of the current building infrastructure and building expansions on the west and east sides.

A copy of the complex's new floor plan and newly designed, and expanded, front entrance is available at www.townofshelburne. on.ca.

Among the many enhancements included in this renovation project is the expansion of the front lobby; inclusion of new meeting rooms and fitness area; new staff areas; expansion of the arena dressing rooms, including a wheelchair accessible dressing room; new arena offices; installation of an elevator; improved fan amenities, including a café seating area for the concession; and improved wheelchair accessibility.

"Being awarded this funding has allowed for a unique opportunity to enhance our community centre and respond to the needs of the community through increasing recreational capacity and producing a more inclusive and community oriented facility." said councillor Ken Bennington, Chair of the CDRC Board of Management.

The CDRC board has established a fundraising committee to raise money for further enhancements and to put finishing touches on the project.

For more information on supporting the project and the community centre's fundraising efforts please contact the CDRC at 519-925-2400.