The $23-million renovation and expansion of the Centennial Centre in Huntsville, Ontario, is now complete, just in time for the G8 Summit Centre this weekend. The centre has been dubbed “Canada Summit Centre.”
Approximately 70,000 square feet of additional space has been added to the centre, which is located on Park Drive on the Muskoka River (in close proximity to the Summit location at Deerhurst Resort). The internal structures are all made from Atlas Block; this gives the building a significant reduced carbon footprint, as Atlas Block concrete is made from up to 30 per cent post-consumer recycled glass.
Other features of the renovation include a new facade for the entire complex, as well as impressive entryway and lobby. A new Olympic-size hockey rink is booked solid for the next year. There’s also an upgraded swimming pool, an indoor track, a new sports field, a gym, a centre for seniors and even a university (Waterloo’s new research facility).
In the fall of 2010, the facility will add a full-time café. It will also add an Active Living Centre, which will be constructed on the east side of the centre; it will feature a large facility for seniors, youth organizations as well as a main-floor banquet facility.
The new G8 Centre will house the activities of the G8 administrative staff June 25 and 26. It has been equipped with additional parking and high-capacity communication services, along with enhanced physical and electronic security measures.