Hello From The Abilities Centre Ottawa

[AbilitiesCtr]

The Abilities Centre Ottawa is a not-for-profit organization (soon to be Charitable organization) with the purpose to build and operate a universally designed sport, recreation, health and wellness facility in Ottawa. (www.AbilitiesCentreOttawa.org)

In Ottawa and its surrounding area, programs and facilities that promote healthy active living, rehabilitation and recreation that can meet the needs of persons with activity limitations and persons with disabilities are few.

Those that do exist are generally not equipped or staffed to work safely and effectively with people of every age and ability. Or, they are designed only for people with disabilities, thereby perpetuating their isolation and exclusion from the larger community.

The centrepiece of Ottawa's Abilities Centre will be the Field House, comprising
Ø three full-sized basketball courts (one converts to an indoor soccer pitch)
Ø a 200-metre six-lane track for training, rehabilitation and national/international competitive events.

The Field House will be surrounded by
Ø exercise rooms with universally accessible cardio/fitness and weight-training equipment
Ø fully accessible locker rooms, shower rooms and bathrooms
Ø life skills training rooms equipped with kitchens and bathrooms designed to facilitate recovery from debilitating illness or accident and to regain independence
Ø a theatre
Ø music and art spaces to support the Centre's recreational and leisure programs (spaces that could also be rented to other community groups when needed)
Ø a therapeutic pool
Ø 15,000 square feet of commercial rental space specifically designed to accommodate sport organizations (for athletes and Para-athletes), which will benefit from economies of scale, shared infrastructure costs and coordinated services and programs.

Equipped in these ways, the Abilities Centre Ottawa will, in addition to fulfilling its primary role as an inclusive and accessible recreational facility, serve Ottawa as a:
Ø designated 'emergency preparedness centre' uniquely equipped to provide care and support to all persons with and without disabilities at times of major catastrophe (flood, power outage, toxic spill, ice storm, security threat, etc.)
Ø site for local, regional, provincial, national or international competitions


A successful facility based on this business model already exists in Whitby, Ontario. The Abilities Centre–Durham Region has received international awards and provides an example of a viable, well-managed and financially sustainable, healthy living facility.

All phases of planning, development and construction of our own multi-purpose Abilities Centre Ottawa will leverage the experience of the Whitby Centre’s leadership. They are committed to provide strategic advice and tangible support.

For more information, please contact

Emily Glossop-Nicholson or Todd Nicholson

Abilities Centre Ottawa

613-222-3207613 222 3207

abilitiescentreottawa@gmail.com

www.abilitiescentreottawa.org


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