(All photos: Stittsville Central Staff)
Our fondly known Goulbourn Recreation Complex on Shea Road today received a new name – the Cardelrec Recreation Complex-Goulbourn. The unveiling ceremony for the renamed complex was attended by numerous folks from the City of Ottawa, former councillor Shad Quadri, representatives from Cardel Homes Ottawa, along with Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Glen Gower, and Greg Graham, President of Cardel Homes Ottawa.
(Councillor Glen Gower uncovers the new name as Mayor Jim Watson and Greg Graham, President of Cardel Homes look on)
Through the Community Champions Program, Cardel Homes Ottawa have entered into an agreement to sponsor the complex at a cost of $600,000 over 15 years, or $40,000 annually over this time period. The Community Champions Program grants sponsors year-round recognition for their contribution to improving the lives of Ottawa residents. Other partners have included: Meridian Credit Union, IceNet Wireless, Richcraft, RBC, Coca-Cola, Minto, Myers, and Swim Ottawa. Since 2012, $1,638,100 in revenue has been generated through the Community Champions Program.
The recreation complex has many amenities for Stittsville residents to enjoy – the Matt Bradley and Katie Xu ice surfaces, a swimming pool, the Erica Wiebe gymnasium, programming spaces, two meeting rooms, a food court and the City of Ottawa Ward 6 Councillor’s office. The complex opened in 2001 at a cost of $9,100,000.
At the renaming ceremony Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Glen Gower and Cardel Homes Ottawa President Greg Graham made the following remarks:
“The City of Ottawa is pleased to welcome Cardel Homes Ottawa into this new investment partnership. I invite all residents to continue coming to the CARDELREC Complex – Goulbourn to enjoy a swim, a skate or a workout in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere.” – Mayor Jim Watson
“I invite all Ottawa residents to learn what Stittsville residents have known for years that this facility, now known as the CARDELREC Complex – Goulbourn, is a jewel in the recreational landscape of Ottawa. I know this sponsorship agreement will reinforce that reputation and help it continue for years to come.” – Glen Gower, Stittsville Ward Councillor
“Ottawa is a critical city in our business endeavours and we are thrilled to be collaboratively promoting the CARDELREC Recreation Complex with the City and encouraging a healthy, happy and fruitful lifestyle in our community.” – Greg Graham, President Cardel Homes Ottawa
To celebrate and commemorate this renaming, Cardel Homes are sponsoring a free skate on March 9 from 1:00 – 4:00 for all Stittsville residents. Cardel are also asking that you bring along a donation to the Stittsville Food Bank.
Disappointed that the public wasn’t invited to comment on this name change. Guess money talks.