Isotope

The Garnet A. Williams Community Centre (GAWCC) is located in Thornhill, Vaughan and was constructed between 1982-84 with a subsequent fitness centre addition and comprises 125,000 square feet of program space including a pool, arena, gymnasium fitness centre, and activity/program rooms.

The facility was in need of a significant refresh as well as improvements to address major accessibly challenges. The split-level nature of the circulation created barriers for many users.

+VG Architects developed a design that proposed two new entrances: one for the community centre at the west end of the complex and a separate arena entrance at the east of the complex providing direct access to ice level. The project fully renovated the change room areas to provide gender neutral/family change room spaces, designed new glass enclosed program rooms that animated the circulations spaces of the building and a new system of gently sloping ramps to facilitate barrier-free access throughout the facility.

The project also involved a complete refresh of the pool deck, fitness room change rooms and a new splashpad in the adjacent York Hill Park integrated with the exterior pool deck and a new exterior ramp providing access from GAWCC to the park.

New change rooms were provided to serve the existing outdoor skating rink and the new splashpad. A new public elevator was introduced between the ice level of the arena and the viewing areas which also connected to the rest of the community centre.

Much of the original mechanical equipment was replaced including the cooling tower which was craned into place in the rooftop mechanical penthouse.

The completed project resulted in a “like new” experience for the community and a fully accessible and refreshed community asset.

The Kingston East Community Centre is designed as a state of the art recreational facility that features a full gym and running track, an EarlyON childcare facility, a fitness studio, a splash-pad, and a community kitchen.

The building is uniquely situated amongst existing recreational infrastructure to create a recreation hub for Kingston’s east-end community of Pittsburgh Township. The new facility was designed in compliance with all applicable municipal accessibility design standards and with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).The programming and facilities offered through the new facility promote inclusive and healthy living to the immediate community and beyond.

In conjunction with the goal of enhancing the surrounding area, the Kingston East Community Centre contributes to the City of Kingston’s goal of reducing carbon emissions to become a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship at a city scale. The facility employs a geothermal field, solar infrastructure, high-performance building envelope, enhanced day-lighting strategies and LED lighting throughout to provide a total-carbon emission reduction of over 50%. A new stormwater management design was developed for the entire site in order to improve drainage and conform with the local conservation authority’s guidelines. New landscaping and plantings will improve the environmental quality of Grenadier park. The project aspires to be a learning tool to highlight the benefits of sustainable design to the community and act as an example for future community centres and public buildings for the City of Kingston.

+VG Architects served as Prime Consultant for the City of Kitchener’s Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre expansion—a transformative project that included a vibrant new addition, interior and site upgrades, and a reimagined splash pad.

From the outset, the design process was deeply rooted in community engagement. Through stakeholder meetings, surveys, and public sessions, residents helped shape a facility that reflects their needs and aspirations. Updates were shared via on-site displays and online platforms, ensuring transparency and excitement throughout.

The expansion introduces a dynamic façade with generous glazing that invites natural light and creates a welcoming presence. Inside, a bright central commons connects all areas, offering lounge space, computer stations, and playful zones with views into the gym and splash pad. Flexible access zones allow the library and community centre to operate independently after hours, maximizing usability.

A new double gym with a motorized divider anchors the addition, supporting everything from basketball to pickleball. Multi-purpose rooms adapt for art, dance, or workshops, while dedicated offices provide space for staff and volunteers. The design prioritizes accessibility, adaptability, and community connection—hallmarks of +VG’s approach.

By positioning the addition along the existing building’s front, the library remained open during construction. This thoughtful integration of old and new creates unique spaces and seamless circulation, ensuring the Doon Pioneer Park Community Centre continues to thrive as a hub for learning, recreation, and community life.