Paris, Ontario – August 2025 – Nestled gently above the scenic Grand River at 169 Grand River Street North, the brand-new Wilkin Family Community Centre has officially opened its doors—marking a milestone as the County of Brant’s first net-zero building. The 2,055 sq ft single-story centre, home to both the storied Paris Lawn Bowling Club and the beloved Paris Seniors Club 99, now stands as a vibrant hub uniting recreation, culture, connection, and sustainability.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Sustainability
From the outset, the project was born of a bold vision: to craft a space where timeless community traditions could flourish—while embracing a future of environmental responsibility. The design incorporates a multipurpose indoor area (for about 60 people), an outdoor covered patio and barbeque space (for about 20 people), all while achieving net-zero energy status—meaning it produces as much clean energy as it consumes.
A Community’s Collective Effort
The $1.6 million project was made possible through a combination of municipal commitment, government grants, and an extraordinary fundraising campaign that surpassed its $400,000 goal. As of mid‑June 2025, fundraising was declared complete, thanks to contributions large and small—from local families, businesses, and organizations.
Prominent donors included the Donald and Jo‑Anne Wilkin Fund, whose gift of $150,000 set the tone for the campaign, along with substantial support from Advantage Maintenance Products Ltd., Pelton Bros. Transport Ltd. and others.
Honouring Tradition, Embracing the Future
The centre’s dual purpose serves both history and progress. The Paris Lawn Bowling Club, with over a century of local engagement, continues its tradition in a fresh, modern setting. Likewise, Paris Seniors Club 99, founded in 1962, gains a renewed home, preserving social ties and programming for seniors.
Bringing It All Together: Construction & Collaboration
At the heart of this successful delivery stands GTA General Contractors, the firm entrusted with the construction and project management of the project. Their integrated approach allowed for seamless coordination from concept through completion, marrying architectural vision with practical community needs.
Abe Nafar, CEO of GTA General Contractors, shares: “We are truly honoured to have played a hand in the development of the County of Brant’s first net-zero building. This project is not only a milestone for the community but also a step forward in the region’s broader sustainability initiatives. Being part of this journey is something our entire team takes immense pride in.”
Tyler Maynard, Executive Vice-President, adds: “This project reflects exactly what we stand for—delivering high-quality, sustainable spaces that bring real value to the communities we serve. It’s an honour to contribute to a facility that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”
A Gathering Space for Generations
With its design blending indoor and outdoor functionality, the Wilkin Family Community Centre invites a wide variety of activities:
- Recreational and active living, indoor or outside
- Family gatherings, reunions, birthdays, and holiday celebrations
- Hobbies, crafts, arts, cultural programming, and clubs
- Social games, training events, work events, community programming
Positioned overlooking the Grand River, the centre not only provides a scenic backdrop but also a sense of homecoming for residents stepping into a place built for social connection and shared memories.
What Makes It Net-Zero?
While detailed technical specifications may remain internal, typical net-zero strategies include:
- Highly efficient building envelope (insulation, windows, airtight construction)
- Renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and heat pumps
- Energy-efficient lighting, HVAC, and mechanical systems
- Smart building controls to optimize consumption
This balanced approach ensures the building remains comfortable, functional, and cost-effective to operate—while achieving the County of Brant’s overall clean-energy goals.
A Model for Future Community Projects
The Wilkin Family Community Centre is more than a new building—it’s a beacon of what community infrastructure can achieve when sustainability, heritage, and collaboration align. It stands as:
- The County of Brant’s first net-zero public building
- A modern anchor for historic community institutions like the Paris Lawn Bowling Club and Seniors Club 99
- A demonstration of design-build’s power to deliver quality outcomes efficiently
- A showcase for how fundraising, public leadership, and private expertise can unite to benefit all
Looking Ahead
With the centre now open, attention turns to its use, programming, and long-term operations. The community will no doubt bring the centre to life—through laughter, shared meals, lessons, games, and gatherings that bridge generations.
Meanwhile, the success of this project inspires a broader conversation about sustainability in civic infrastructure. As communities across Canada seek to reduce carbon footprints and invest in climate resilience, the Wilkin Family Community Centre offers a tangible, replicable example.
In Summary
The Wilkin Family Community Centre isn’t just new—it’s meaningful. It fuses modern green design with cherished local traditions, delivered efficiently through effective project management. Thanks to dedicated fundraising, committed leadership, and construction excellence from GTA General Contractors, the centre now stands ready to serve generations to come—at the intersection of heritage and innovation.
