TORONTO – The federal government has announced it is investing $20 million for the long sought-after Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation in Toronto through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program.
This project will see the construction of a net-zero emissions facility that will address the needs of Toronto’s Somali community and provide social, cultural and recreational services to residents in the surrounding area, explains a release.
According to the project website, the 100,000-square-foot centre will include a full-size indoor basketball court that will host community tournaments and youth training sessions; multifunctional recreational spaces that can transform to host everything from yoga classes to community meetings; a swimming pool geared towards lessons, aquatic fitness and open swim times; and library and archival space that will serve as a learning hub and historical archive.
“Over the last 40 years, Somali Canadians have worked side by side with local leaders and policy-makers to advocate for a community centre that meets the diverse needs of Toronto’s Black and Muslim communities. Today’s announcement marks a pivotal milestone — a distinctly Canadian rite of passage — that honours our shared heritage and truly begins preserving it for future generations,” said Zakaria Abdulle, board chairman and president, board of directors, Somali Centre for Culture and Recreation, in a statement.
“With this support, our long-standing dream of establishing a space for all Canadians — a place that fosters inclusion, provides vital services and nurtures community — is finally within reach. A project of this scale and significance could only be realized in a country that values cultural diversity as deeply as Canada does. We look forward to the positive and lasting impact the Somali Centre will have on Etobicoke and beyond.”
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