The County of Brant has exceeded its $400,000 fundraising goal for the new Wilkin Family Community Centre, officials announced this week, marking a major milestone in the $1.6 million project.
The news follows confirmation that the County also secured a grant to support the facility’s construction, though details of that funding are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
“There are so many people in the community that we would like to thank for helping with this project,” said Mayor David Bailey in a statement. “The support you have shown demonstrates why the County of Brant is such a wonderful place to call home.”
Fundraising for the project began in spring 2024, with 97 per cent of donations secured through the efforts of a volunteer working group and fundraising committee. The campaign drew major contributions—$5,000 or more—from several individuals, families, businesses, and local organizations, including the Donald and Jo-Anne Wilkin Fund, Advantage Maintenance Products Ltd., Pelton Bros. Transport Ltd., and Paris Beer Company.
In addition to recognizing donors, Bailey thanked the committee for its “unwavering dedication,” crediting members with helping to minimize the project’s financial burden on the municipality.
Committee members included Bailey himself, Councillor John Bell, and local residents Andrew Jones, Jon Lynne-Davies, and Marlene Heckendorn.
The Wilkin Family Community Centre is currently under construction at 169 Grand River Street North in Paris. Once complete, the 2,055-square-foot facility will serve as a multi-purpose space for recreation, cultural programming, family gatherings, and community events.
Set to open in 2025, the building will also house the Paris Lawn Bowling Club and the Paris Seniors Club 99. Notably, it will be the first net-zero building in the County, marking a step forward in Brant’s sustainability efforts.
“We are incredibly excited for the Wilkin Family Community Centre to be completed,” Bailey added. “This will be a hub for generations to come.”
Further updates, including details about the grant funding and an official grand opening date, will be released in the near future.
More information is available on the County of Brant’s website.
