While plans to move into a new warehouse space on Ernest Avenue were derailed last year, the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club executive would like to assure the Junction Triangle community that it's committed more than ever to delivering the best and most affordable after-school programs to as many kids in the neighbourhood as possible.
"We went into the 45 Ernest Ave. project with enthusiasm and promise - we wanted to deliver a new club to the kids and the community so we could have a place to call our own, but throughout the summer, we took a look at what was going right and what was going wrong," said operations manager Justin Hanna in an interview Monday, Feb. 14. "One of the biggest reasons was that as a non-profit organization, we have limited resources. We took a long hard look at the programs and services we wanted to offer and the space was not suitable. Based on this information, the board came to the conclusion to end the project."Instead, the board decided to take a step back to really focus on serving the youth instead of putting all its energy into the building at 45 Ernest Ave. in the Bloor Street West and Perth Avenue area. The costs of finishing and running the site would have hindered the club's mandate to provide affordable after-school and camp programs to its membership, said Hanna. He acknowledged the disappointment felt by community members. While no public dollars were invested in the project, people's time and resources did go towards the site, including the start of renovations. Since the decision was announced last September, the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club has been striving to enhance its programs for kids in the Junction Triangle. "We're really excited about our swimming program. It's something we've wanted to do for a long time," said Hanna. "The swimming lessons and program is included in our yearly $20 membership fee. It's staffed by certified instructors and has been a great success."Swimming lessons are offered at Carleton Village P.S. The boys and girls club is happy to announce that it has served more youth in the Junction Triangle than ever before. Currently, there are 175 children who have memberships - that's 50 more than last year, reported Hanna.In addition to swimming, kids are participating in the club's health promotion program, which is comprised of three key areas: recreation, healthy eating and mental health. Kids participate in this program as many as 10 hours a week. And, the club just launched a new set of evening programs at its centre at 120 Perth Ave. These programs include a new drama club, arts club and digital arts club. Meanwhile, the renovations continue at the 180 Westmoreland Ave. site. The project is slated for completion in the latter half of March, said Hanna. Once finished, it'll boast more than 5,000 extra square feet comprised of five new components: a greenhouse, a theatre-dance studio, a planetarium and science room, a teen lounge and a computer lab. What's more, is that the club, which was founded in 1957 and has provided affordable adult, after-school and camp programs to more than 30,000 people, will be able to open an additional 150 to 200 spaces in its after-school and youth camps."The renovations are going extremely well," said Hanna offering his appreciation to the club's general contractor and architect. "We're extremely happy."Hanna said the club is always open to hearing from the community about any ideas for programs it might have. Call 416-536-4102 or visit www.dovercourtkids.com