Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Joint funding totaling $5 million from the federal and provincial governments was announced for a new clubhouse for the BGC Ottawa (formerly the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa) at the project’s groundbreaking event.
The Government of Canada is investing $4 million in this project through the COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure plan, while the Government of Ontario is providing $1 million.
“We are humbled and honoured to be able to build a new South End Clubhouse,” stated Adam Joiner, CEO of the BGC Ottawa. “This community hub in south Ottawa will enable us to reach so many youth and children in need, giving them the skills and tools to grow and thrive in uncertain times. Today’s funding announcement is a milestone step, but we still have lots of work to do.”
In addition, Michelle Taggart, on behalf of the Taggart Parkes Foundation shared news of their transformational $1.4 million gift to the Club, that will directly fund programs and services at the Clubhouse in south Ottawa.
The new facility constructed by Lundy construction, and designed by Hobin Architecture, will offer better protection against COVID-19 and other viruses by including isolation rooms with direct access to outdoor space to avoid exposure, eight single-stall gender-inclusive bathrooms, additional handwashing stations, built-in separation for large spaces like the gym, multiple entrances, and exit points, and two separate kitchens for cohort and community use.
“This is fantastic news for our city and specifically for our Gloucester-Southgate neighbourhood,” added Diane Deans, City of Ottawa Councillor for Gloucester-Southgate Ward. “The BGC Ottawa does wonderful work in our community, providing exceptional programming and a safe space for youth. With many recreational programs and activities being cancelled for our youth due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this new facility is needed more than ever.”
Featured image: Rendering of the BGC Ottawa clubhouse. (BGC Ottawa)
