Boyle Memorial Community Centre

A small urban retreat, Boyle Park is a gem bounded by Princess Avenue, Charlotte Street and Dorlinda Street and surrounded by a well-established, mainly single-family residential neighbourhood. Located in the north-west corner of the park, the Boyle Memorial Community Centre once presented itself to its neighbours as a lifeless, windowless grey concrete block fortress. Now this facility is the physical expression of a thriving and energetic community centre equal to that of the population it serves.

What this facility could be for the Boyle Park community was discussed at a number of town hall meetings prior to beginning the concept design. Bringing natural light and park views into the building was high on the priority list. architects Tillmann Ruth Robinson worked to create a transparent and welcoming building that is approachable from all sides. By cutting windows into every façade of the building, including the gymnasium expansion, a more appealing street presence now contributes to a positive and safe public realm. In reinforcing the existing urban edge, a new addition to the existing gymnasium strengthens the definition of the park along Charlotte Street. A new, larger front door and cantilevered canopy establishes a welcoming presence. Existing mature trees are preserved around the building with additional modest landscape touches.