By Sandra Milton
In March of this year, the City of Ottawa’s Community and Protective Services Committee backed Councillor Mathieu Fleury’s motion to restart regular programming at the Routhier Community Centre “no later than September”. After more than two years of closure for use as a designated COVID-19 isolation centre, Lowertown residents are keen to see the area’s only City-operated community centre reopened for a range of activities.
The Routhier provided a minimal targeted opening in mid-August for a youth camp organized by the Lowertown Community Resource Centre. Currently Derek McDonald (Recreational Supervisor – Sandy Hill and Routhier) and Karine Jolicoeur (Program Coordinator – Routhier) are anticipating that there will be some drop-in sessions by October 2022. Details about potential drop ins are not available but perhaps they could include the chance to socialize while working on a craft or knitting project, or setting up a cribbage board and some cards, or joining a walking group for some indoor or outdoor exercise, or playing recreational volleyball. Full programing is expected by January 2023.
Lowertown residents are looking for a range of stimulating and engaging programs to involve and motivate the community. A quick survey of neighbours in the area offered multiple perspectives on activities for all. The wish list of ideas included programming for individuals with disabilities, seniors, new parents, singles, families, pre-school and school- age children; in other words, for all Lowertowners.
Suggestions covered physical fitness classes for all levels, including rehab, cardio, Pilates, yoga, tai chi and strength training. They also included sports (volleyball, badminton, pickle ball, dodgeball); dance classes (jazz, Spanish, hip-hop, belly dancing); music classes (Indigenous drumming, child-friendly song circles). Also mentioned were access to a community kitchen focusing on diverse food traditions; childcare services after school and on school breaks; and a running club. The proposals were endless: bridge and chess lessons, Tarot card reading, dog and owner etiquette training, art sessions, bike repair classes and more.
This centre is vital to our Lowertown community. And Derek and Karine are eager for the freshly repainted Routhier to be up and running soon. So drop by to welcome them and share your perspective on the planned reopening.