Waterloo targets active seniors, soon to outnumber kids
WATERLOO — Waterloo has fewer children than in 2001. It is on track to become the first city in the region with more seniors than kids, according to 2016 census data.
That’s got city hall thinking more about how to help keep seniors fit and engaged. On Jan. 24, Waterloo plans to unveil the latest designs for a senior-friendly expansion of the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex.
The expansion is meant to respond to recreation trends, and to consolidate seniors’ programs into the downtown centre from two other sites. The cost has been estimated at $26 million.
“It certainly has my support,” Mayor Dave Jaworsky said. “We’re an aging society and people want to do more than just play billiards and bridge. People want to play zumba and pickleball nowadays.”
Zumba is a dance-driven exercise class. Pickleball is a courtbased paddle sport. Jaworsky figures both activities will be welcomed at an expanded recreation complex.
“Consolidating is a strong idea,” Coun. Tenille Bonoguore said. She expects more seniors will move downtown so they can get around without a car.
The latest designs are to be unveiled for public review at an open house. There will be virtual reality tours, a 3D model, and perspectives from inside and outside the proposed expansion.
The Jan. 24 open house is from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. inside the recreation complex at 101 Father David Bauer Dr.
Highlights of the three-part expansion include:
• Adding a gymnasium to the front of the recreation complex. This would include lobby space, change rooms, lockers and office space.
• Renovating the Hauser Haus inside the complex to hold more fitness classes in two exercise studios. This would include an indoor walking concourse. • Adding a two-storey building beside the recreation complex to use for adult recreation and as a community pavilion. It would connect by an enclosed bridge to the second floor of the complex.
If council approves the project by this spring, the centre could be expanded by mid-2021. Seniors would continue to use current adult centres until then.
Seniors’ centres that would close are the Adult Recreation Centre on King Street South and the Wing 404 Rotary Adult Centre on Dutton Drive. Both are aging facilities with outdated decor and amenities, a city report says.
The city has already sold the King Street South site to make way for a seven-storey office building. Plans for the property include a plaza, roof deck and retail on the ground floor.
Bonoguore wants better transit access to the complex. The nearest Grand River Transit bus stop on Erb Street West is more than 350 metres away.
No plan has been unveiled for a bus route to the complex. The city is making plans to improve the walk from the nearest bus stops, including better sidewalks, crossings, benches and signs.
The city should consider a shuttle if no bus is possible, Bonoguore said. “A 350-metre walk for a senior, or for a young child for that matter because they use the recreation complex too, in the snow, in the rain, in the middle of the summer heat wave, that’s problematic.”
Expanding the recreation complex is expected to use up 93 parking spaces, leaving 480 spaces that planners say are enough for daily needs.
Waterloo is greying quickly. The 2016 census shows 92 seniors for every 100 children younger than 15. This compares to 51 seniors for every 100 children in 1996.