The David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan Centre of Community officially opens
The Vaughan
Metropolitan Centre is growing! The emerging downtown core is home to Vaughan’s
first university, first subway station and now, a new state-of-the-art
recreation facility and library. Today, the City of Vaughan, Vaughan Public
Libraries (VPL) and the YMCA of Greater Toronto hosted the official grand
opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan
Centre of Community.
The public was invited to join Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua, Members of Council, members of the Vaughan Public Library Board and members of the YMCA’s Board to officially open its doors.
The facility includes the City’s newest recreation venue – Vaughan Studios & Event Space, VPL’s latest branch – the VMC Library and VMC Express – and a YMCA Centre of Community. Located in the heart of the VMC at 200 Apple Mill Rd., it is just steps away from the VMC subway station, making it easily accessible to the entire community.
Vaughan Studios & Event Space
The Vaughan Studios & Event Space is a new 19,000-square-foot recreation venue with a rooftop terrace. Its design parallels the modern, urban lifestyle of the area and features sophisticated, state-of-the-art amenities for the community to enjoy, including:
- a 3,350-square-foot studio with a skyfold partition and gallery that exits to a rooftop terrace
- two studios (825 square feet and 1,190 square feet)
- a 592-square-foot professional music-recording studio
- a 1,450-square-foot gourmet teaching kitchen
The venue will offer premium recreation programming for the community, including a Dancing Chefs summer camp where kids ages 10 to 14 years old can learn how to cook dishes in the gourmet kitchen and perform in the dance studio. Camp details will be released soon; for more information, visit vaughan.ca/camps. For regular updates on recreation programming for all ages, visit vaughan.ca/recreation.
The space will also be available for the community to rent for private functions. Those interested in renting a facility can pick up a permitting rate card at the Vaughan Studios & Event Space or get it online vaughan.ca/VSES.
VMC Library and VMC Express
Two new VPL locations are accessible in the David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan Centre of Community: a 9,000-square-foot modern and innovative VMC Library and a 400-square-foot self-serve storefront called VMC Express. The VMC Library will feature an extensive collection of new and popular titles and resources for all age groups, including books, videogames, magazines, movies and more. The VMC Express will provide some of the most in-demand items to borrow quickly for those on the go.
The VMC Library will offer a full suite of programs, including storytimes, book clubs and technology training. The facility also includes:
- an interactive family space with heated flooring in the children’s storytime area
- sensory equipment and an activity station
- culinary literacy programming offered in the gourmet teaching kitchen
- innovative technologies, including a laptop dispensing kiosk, self-checks and automated book return
- a reading lounge with comfortable seating
- individual and group study areas
- free Wi-Fi
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) compliance
Additional details are available at vaughanpl.info/vmc.
The YMCA at the David Braley Vaughan Centre
The YMCA features state-of-the-art facilities, including a fully equipped aquatics area, an innovative childcare centre, summer camps, quality programming for every age and stage and so much more. As a charity that supports vibrant communities, the YMCA offers programs for people of every age and stage, welcoming gathering spaces, family-friendly activities, volunteer opportunities, and more. These state-of-the-art facilities are home to:
- a fully-equipped aquatics centre with a 25-metre lap pool and program pool with a hydraulic floor
- a 6,000-square-foot individual conditioning room with cardio and weight equipment
- fitness classes, personal training and children’s programming from soccer to basketball
- an innovative and high-quality, licensed childcare centre
- summer day camps
Learn more about the YMCA’s programs, services and charitable impact at braleycentre.ymcagta.org.
QUOTES
“Today, we officially opened the David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan Centre of Community to the public – marking the arrival of Vaughan's newest state-of-the-art facility in the heart of our downtown core. This recreational centre is the manifestation of what can be achieved when committed partners come together to create a place where everyone is welcome to participate, interact and thrive. It is a world-class space that encourages active play, healthy lifestyles and continuous learning. I want to express my warmest and sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Vaughan Public Libraries, the YMCA of Greater Toronto and City of Vaughan staff for making this vision a reality. Together, we remain dedicated to building public spaces that enhance our community's exceptional quality of life and standard of living.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
“The vision of the VMC Library and VMC Express has finally come to life, and now, the Vaughan community can enjoy the beautiful space. We’ve designed a library that truly brings the community together. We hope you’ll find joy in our extraordinary space with exciting programs like storytime and culinary literacy.”
- Margie Singleton, CEO, Vaughan Public Libraries
“We’re extremely excited to be opening our doors to this vibrant community. It’s only possible thanks to the generosity of donors like the David Braley Charitable Foundation, and funding partners like the City of Vaughan and Ministry of Education, that we’re able to provide Vaughan with the healthy infrastructure needed to rebuild in the pandemic’s wake. As Vaughan’s new downtown develops, we’re thrilled that the new YMCA will offer this community safe, inclusive spaces where neighbours can gather once again and shine, just as we have seen in the many other communities we serve across the GTA.”
- Medhat Mahdy, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Toronto
QUICK FACTS
- The David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan Centre of Community enhances the well-being of the community and enriches the lives of everyone who lives and works in Vaughan. This reflects the City’s commitment to Active, Safe and Diverse Communities, which is a strategic priority outlined in the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
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