In Fall 2024, staff conducted a community engagement process to understand what residents want to see in a new older adult facility. Thanks to your input a list of deliverables has been developed and approved by Council.

The new facility will include:

• 21,000 to 26,000 square foot facility
• 1,200 to 1,600 square feet of outdoor space
• Minimum of 150 onsite surface parking spaces
• A specific area near the building entrance for drop-off and pick-up
• Close to LRT or bus routes
• A double sport gymnasium
• Dedicated multi-purpose space or rooms for fitness programming
• Dedicated multi-purpose space or rooms for creative and craft-base programming
• Dedicated billiards or games room
• One large multi-purpose room for programs and events
• One medium sized multi-purpose rooms for programs and meetings
• A warming kitchen
• Large lobby space with café or light refreshments and lots of comfortable and accessible seating
• Staff workspace and welcoming service counter
• Universal & accessible washrooms, hallways and corridors (London Accessibility Standard)

This list will be part of the Request for Proposal document seeking a development partner to build a mixed-use development, which will include a new older adult centre. Over the next few months, staff will develop the RFP which will be issued later this year.

For more information about the redevelopment of Rockway Centre, please contact rockwayredevelopment@kitchener.ca