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QEP gives arts community a place to call home By Nathan Howes SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER The long-awaited Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) opened last weekend. More than 6,500 people attended Saturday's grand opening, which featured all-day performances, demonstrations, classes and workshops. The Town's new recreation, arts and cultural hub was part of a renovation to build a community centre that meets the recreational needs of Oakville -- while providing a home to the many non-profit arts and cultural groups in town. "I'm positive that our interactive design is going to encourage cross-collaboration among all of our groups here," said Oakville Mayor Rob Burton. "This is a great milestone for our town." With more than 144,000 square feet of space, the QEPCCC houses a wide-array of artistic, cultural and active living opportunities -- offering all-ages programs, classes, workshops, camps and drop-in activities. Oakville received $7.4 million from the provincial government's 2007-08 budget surplus for the centre's $27-million redevelopment cost. The Town of Oakville's director of Recreation and Culture Nina de Vaal said the architects were able to creatively redesign the different spaces within the building. For example, what had been a science lab is now an active living studio, and the old teachers lounge was turned into a seniors' centre. The cafeteria became the rehearsal hall. "We decided very early on that we were going to keep the footprint of the building. That meant that we weren't altering the walls of the building in any way. What we were altering was the inside," said de Vaal. nikki wesley / oakville beaver / @halton_photog Architects maintained 90 per cent of the high school's Something for everyone: Visitors take in the works of Carrie Hillyard on opening day original structure, including at the Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre Saturday. the floors, walls and framing. The swimming pool was upgraded with new tiles, a stateof-the-art mechanical system and family change rooms, as well as a wall of windows to use outdoor lighting. One of the biggest changes was the building's entry, de Vaal Easter Special 5 · Wednesday, March 28, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Victoria Behune The facility boasts an aquatics centre, two gyms, a youth centre, a seniors' centre, dance studios, a recording studio, fine arts studios, a rehearsal hall, black box theatre, gallery, museum space and swimming pool, among others. It also features culture rooms as requested by local arts groups. "This is not just a community centre. This is not just a cultural centre. This is an arts and culture village. We're being very true to our heritage (with) what we've done with this building," said Burton. Located at 2302 Bridge Rd., the former Queen Elizabeth Park High School was approved by Town council for renovation in 2009. Hop in and Learn to Dance from the Best! 10 LESSONS for See QEP page 10 www.mississaugaaikidoclub.com · more fun! · self confidence! · meet people! · grace & poise! FREE UNIFORM · 2 DAYS FREE TRIALS Kids & Adult classes FREE $ By yourself or with a partner. New Students Over 21 Only. 20 416-995-7698 2359 Royal Windsor Drive, Unit #11 Mississauga, ON L5J 4S9 225 Lakeshore Rd. E. (2nd Floor) between Dunn St. and George St. OAKVILLE 1092 Main Street W. near Cline Ave. HAMILTON www.fredastaire.ca 905 815-3237 905 522-3237 Homes With Asphalt Shingles in Need of Replacement Ontario Shake N' Tile, Ontario's most trusted metal roofing specialist, is looking for homes in your area that need a new roof and never want to roof again. We offer the beauty and elegance of a natural wood shake roof with the durability and unmatched performance of metal. It comes with a lifetime transferable warranty against: winds, rain, snow, moss, hail and tree resin. This beautiful roof is being introduced to your local market now. If you participate in our Display Home Program, we will reduce our already competitive pricing and make it worth your while to investigate the many benefits of our roof. You must book your job within 10 days of this advertisement. Low payments, 100% financing available, O.A.C. WANTED www.roofontario.com Call NOW for HUGE Savings! 1-888-271-7119