More grants for Centre in the Square

City, federal government funding to be used for renovations, eco-friendly upgrades

KITCHENER — With almost a million dollars in new funding, Kitchener’s Centre in the Square will reduce its carbon footprint with the addition of eco-friendly exterior lighting, high-tech water fountains (“hydration stations”) and an upgraded air conditioning system.

“By improving community infrastructure … we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for residents of all ages,” said Kitchener Centre MP Raj Saini, who announced the $395,000 federal grant on Wednesday at the venue.

The funds will be matched by the City of Kitchener for a total investment of $790,000.

The federal funding comes from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, which has issued 350 grants in southern Ontario to upgrade parks, trails, and community and cultural centres to mark the 150th anniversary of confederation.

The grant will help the centre “maintain an energy efficient building which will allow our organization to lower our annual utilities costs and contribute to global energy conservation efforts,” said general manager Rob Sonoda.

“This project will allow us to look to the future to provide a world class centre for arts and entertainment for future generations, while lowering our carbon footprint.”

Wednesday’s funding announcement follows an announcement last August that saw the federal government pledge $925,000 — also matched by the city — to upgrade interior lighting and dressing rooms, replace seating in balcony boxes and make washrooms more accessible, among other things.

The grants come from two separate funding pools, but will together see the region’s concert jewel — opened in 1980 — undergoing almost continual renovations until midway through next year.

“It’s like a house,” explained noted Jana Gordon, who sits on the centre’s board of directors. “You have to constantly maintain it or it won’t be in great shape. You always have to be on top of it.”