The NEW MacBain Community Centre in Niagara Falls
One Million Dollar Donation received for the Community Centre
John MacBain toured the new facility with Dr. Ian Brown
On Monday, January 17, it was announced the John H. McCall MacBain has donated $1 million toward the construction of the new Niagara Falls Community Centre. As a result, Niagara Falls City Council voted to name the new facility on Montrose Road the MacBain Community Centre in honour of the late Al MacBain, former MP for Niagara Falls and his wife, Viola. "I am making this donation in memory of my father and mother who met in Niagara Falls and lived there most of their lives," MacBain said. "Perhaps this is a way to recognize their work in our community."
John MacBain now lives in Geneva Switzerland. He is the Founder and majority shareholder of Trader Classified Media, which began in Canada and is an international leader in classified advertising. Trader Classified Media has more than 500 print titles and 57 web sites in 20 countries. Mr. MacBain said that he had been waiting for an opportunity to contribute to his hometown.
"I am overwhelmed by the generosity of John McCall MacBain, who has given our community a legacy from which generations of children and families will benefit," said Dr. Ian Brown, Community Centre Campaign Chair. "John told us he wanted to give back significantly to the community that was the foundation of his youth, and for that I am grateful."
The MacBain Community Centre is a unique development of partners who are committed to a common vision of serving the community. Heart Niagara Inc, the YMCA of Niagara, the Niagara Falls Library, Seniors Drop in Centre, Niagara Falls Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the City of Niagara Falls Parks, Recreation and Culture will all host thousands of people annually through a variety of programs and services.
The centre will provide a wide range of community services under one roof including recreational, educational, and social program, volunteer and wellness persuits open to people of different exonomic levels and physical abilities.
The centre will be a hub of community activity and offer the only state-of-the-art indoor aquatic experience for the surrounding communities.
The 100,000 square foot facility will be built on the corner of Montrose Road and McLeod Road, across from the Niagara Square on a 23 acre, city owned site, with easy access from the QEW and public transportation.
What's New?
Work is progressing rapidly at the 100,000 square foot structure of the MacBain Community Centre at the corner of McLeod and Montrose Road. Recently the pool was filled for testing, then tiling and grouting can begin. The tiling is already underway in the changerooms. The terazzo floor is also being installed. Now the designs are being confirmed for the reception desks.
Would you like to go for a virtual tour? The City of Niagara Falls has prepared a panoramic view of the Aquatic Centre and the second floor of the building from the track, as well as the adjacent skate park. Please click on this link to view the pictures.
The "Together We Do More" Capital Campaign, lead by Dr. Ian Brown, has now reached $2.6 million with the generous donation of
John McCall MacBain. Following the announcement of the $1 million gift, Dr. Ian Brown explained, "I am happy to announce a
Stretch Campaign plan, that will support each of the six partners capital program/furnishing requirements such as children's
play equipment and educational resources, enabling each partner to better provide services to our community." A committed team
of campaign volunteers will continue to make calls throughout the community.
The six partners in the Community Centre are all anxiously awaiting the opportunity to move to their new home in summer 2005.
You may visit their websites through the links below:
City of Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls Public Library
Heart Niagara Inc.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls
Coronation 50 Plus Recreation Centre
