Donkin Community Centre Reopens After Major Renovations

DONKIN — Bright laughter echoed through the hallways of the Donkin Community Centre this past Saturday as local residents gathered to celebrate the grand reopening following a $200,000 renovation project. After being closed for nearly six months, the centre now boasts a modernized multipurpose room, updated kitchen facilities, and an accessible washroom—features that organizers say will benefit everyone from senior citizens to young families.

Funded by a provincial recreation grant of $150,000 and supplemented with $50,000 raised through local fundraising drives, the renovation included installing energy-efficient lighting, reinforcing the gymnasium floor, and refurbishing the exterior façade. “Our goal was to create a space where every member of the Donkin community feels welcome,” explained Community Centre Chairperson Maria Grant. “These improvements reflect the hard work of volunteers and donors who wanted to ensure the centre remains the heartbeat of our village.”

During Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mayor Alan MacLeod praised the collaboration between the Donkin Recreational Association and the town council. “Investing in this centre is an investment in people,” MacLeod said. “Whether you’re using the kitchen to cook meals for Seniors’ Club, attending a Zumba class, or hosting a local charity event, this space brings us all together.” A round of applause followed as MacLeod officially declared the centre open, and local resident and longtime volunteer Elsie Bourque offered a blessing before attendees toured the refreshed facilities.

The newly renovated kitchen, complete with industrial-grade appliances, will now support weekly “Community Cook & Share” nights starting July 10. “We’re excited to host cooking demonstrations featuring local chefs and invite families to prepare meals together,” said Kitchen Coordinator Steven Young. The multipurpose room will also serve as the venue for after-school tutoring sessions run by volunteers from Donkin Elementary School, ensuring students have a quiet place to study.

Centre manager Carla LeBlanc announced a summer schedule packed with programs: seniors’ bingo every Tuesday, youth basketball leagues on Wednesday evenings, and a “Evening at the Centre” series featuring movie nights, crafts, and guest speakers from July through August. Membership remains free for Donkin residents, and non-residents can purchase an annual membership for $25. Registration is open at the Community Centre’s front desk or online at www.donkinevents.ca/centre. With its doors now open, the Donkin Community Centre aims to be a hub of learning, recreation, and community spirit for years to come.