New Westminster – The Queensborough Community Centre will re-open to the public this Thursday, February 14. The centre was closed on November 12, 2007 following a fire.

“Queensborough is known as the “community with heart” so it’s appropriate that we re-open on Valentine’s Day,” said Renee Chadwick, Queensborough Community Centre Manager. “This facility is an important resource and amenity for residents and we truly appreciate the support we’ve received from everyone through all of this.”

While fire damage was mostly restricted to the fitness centre, multi-purpose room, office and lobby entrance, extensive smoke damage required clean-up and renovation to other areas. At this time, the weight room continues to be closed until the reconstruction of the front entrance, which is anticipated to take a few more months to complete.

Since November, core programs have been offered at Queen Elizabeth Elementary School and Queensborough Middle School.

“We sincerely appreciate the cooperation and assistance offered by staff at our local schools so that we could continue to offer programs to our community,” said Chadwick. “It has been a team effort and the situation has really reinforced how important this centre is to Queensborough.”

The Queensborough Community Centre offers recreation programs and activities to local residents and other citizens of New Westminster. Though some annual community events had to be cancelled during renovation activities, staff worked with the Queensborough Special Programs Committee to plan events for this Spring and Summer including:

Queensweep (April 27th)
Queensborough Day (May 25th)
Queensborough Community Centre 30th Anniversary Celebrations (June 27th-29th)
Monthly Family Fusion Dinners (starting March 28th)

“I encourage everyone to come by and see the results of the efforts that have gone into our re-opening,” said Chadwick. “Thanks to the contractors who worked so hard and especially to Queensborough residents for their patience and support.”

On February 22nd Queensborough Community Centre will celebrate the re-opening by holding a Welcome Back dinner from 5-7pm. Please contact Queensborough Community Centre at 604-525-7388 for more details.

Queensborough Community Center Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday – 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.