Shaping the conceptual design – what we heard in Round 1

In 2025, we asked the community what they want to see in the proposed new community centre, plaza, and expanded Kyle Park. An over-arching theme emerged from the comments received: the spaces in the new community centre should be multipurpose to serve a broad range of community needs. We noted thirteen additional themes in four categories – here’s how they were addressed in the recommended conceptual design:

Category 1: Community and Culture

Theme 1: Unify elements through arts:

  • Community gallery
  • Visual link to PoMoArts
  • Can incorporate public art

Theme 2: Create a community gathering space

  • Lobby extends through building
  • Large porch at entrance

Theme 3: Provide community bookable spaces

  • Event space for public use
  • Multipurpose rooms for open booking

Theme 4: Space for year round pop-ups/activities

  • Public plaza with seating
  • Terraced open spaces in the park

Category 2: Warmth and Identity

Theme 5: Create warm and inviting spaces

  • Warm colours and materials
  • Display art throughout building
  • Human-scaled design

Theme 6: Represent history/heritage on site

  • Elements of heritage architecture
  • Use of colour

Category 3: Flexibility and Future Proofing

Theme 7: Balance flexibility/ specificity

  • Designed for a variety of uses
  • Designed for multiple room configurations
  • Parking area sized for future needs

Theme 8: Designed for futures uses/users

  • Designed for people with a wide range of abilities
  • Tall ceilings and modular design allow for future adaptation

Theme 9: Support physical activity/wellness

  • Large, open weight room
  • Multi-use gymnasium
  • Fitness/play spaces in park and plaza

Theme 10: Maximize outdoor space

  • Building up (two levels) allows for space in the park
  • Underground parking allows for a public plaza

Category 4: Access and Movement

Theme 11: Accessible pedestrian first design

  • Closure of a section of Kyle Street
  • Accessible ramps and play spaces in the park
  • Elevators and stairs close to the entrance

Theme 12: Connect indoor/ outdoor spaces

  • Covered porch along east side
  • Daylight in central corridor
  • Corridor looks to west forest
  • Windows allow views onto plaza

Theme 13: Connect to nature and surrounding parks

  • Reconnecting to nature with native planting
  • Continuous natural connection from community centre to park
  • Integration of Kyle Park spaces with the Chines
Share Shaping the conceptual design – what we heard in Round 1 on Facebook Share Shaping the conceptual design – what we heard in Round 1 on Twitter Share Shaping the conceptual design – what we heard in Round 1 on Linkedin Email Shaping the conceptual design – what we heard in Round 1 link