By Mike Anderson
The Town of Georgina began a new chapter with the opening of the replacement civic centre on March 16, followed by the first council meeting on March 25.
The building was constructed in less than two years by Maystar General Contractors Inc. — the groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 13, 2024.
The project cost $54.1 million, which includes the demolition of the old civic centre slated for this spring. It was funded through a combination of two 2% (2023 & 2024) infrastructure tax levies, dedicated reserve funds and short-term debentures (10 years), with the total cost due to be repaid within 13.5 years of the project’s completion.
The 44,600-square-foot fully-accessible administrative building features a striking interior design with floor-to-ceiling windows providing ample natural light. There is also a large public courtyard between the north and south wings of the building, which can be used as an outdoor event space.
The Service Georgina counter on the main floor is easily accessible from the front parking lot and flanks an expansive hall, which is anchored by the Georgina Council Chambers.
The new council chambers incorporate an expanded seating area with overflow capacity, a large digital screen, and a state-of-the art audio-visual system providing enhanced images and audio for residents viewing streamed meetings and presentations.
Meeting rooms were named after the late Joe Dales, former Mayor of Georgina, and the late Danny Wheeler, former Regional Councillor.
The Town’s close association with Georgina Island First Nation (GIFN) is also acknowledged, with one of the meeting rooms named “Geeg Doh Wug,” an Anishinaabemowin phrase for “those who speak”. There is also striking painting by local Chippewa artist Lauri Hoeg displayed near the council chambers.
The two-storey south wing features a Development Services counter on the upper floor, where residents can get questions answered about planning approvals and building permits.
The first council meeting held at the new civic centre was proceeded by a short ceremony featuring the Sutton Legion colour party and a smudging led by Kelsey Trivett from Georgina Island.
Chief Donna Big Canoe also presented council with the GIFN flag, which will be displayed in the chamber.
“We’re excited to begin this new chapter in a space designed to support connection, collaboration, and community,” Mayor Quirk said in her opening remarks.
“This building is for the future. I’ve said to many people that if you want people and businesses to invest in Georgina, we have to show that we too are prepared to invest in our community and in its future.”
“This building shows that investment and that commitment. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished moving forward with this new building. While not always popular, hard decisions were made to get this done, which is what true leadership requires.”
Ryan Cronsberry, the Town’s CAO, also made remarks, congratulating those who supported the project through two significant redesigns, COVID-era cost overruns, and pushback from some residents over the project cost.
“Today’s an important moment for a community as we begin a new chapter and a space designed to serve our residents and support open, accessible local government,” Cronsberry said.
“I’d like to congratulate the Mayor and members of the council as you’ve worked together in bringing us to this new council chamber. Public service is both an honour and responsibility and decisions made here will help guide the future of our community.”
“This new civic centre represents more than just a building. It reflects our shared commitment to collaboration, transparency, and service to our community.”
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