New addition opens new possibilities

Cumberland Ward City Councillor Stephen Blais, alongside Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson, celebrated the opening of a $5 Million expansion to the François Dupuis Recreation Centre

“I’m really happy to be standing here today to open the FDRC Expansion,” says Blais. “It’s been a project I’ve worked closely on since its inception, and is going to bring tremendous value to an already stellar facility.”

The 12,000-foot expansion features a dividable gymnasium, a 25-foot-tall rock wall, a large multi-purpose room, courtyard, and more.

“I want to thank Councillor Blais for his incredible work on this project, and for being a champion of sports and recreation for residents,” says Mayor Watson.

The FDRC has recently been inducted in the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Accessible Cities Awards Circle of Excellence for its inclusive, accessible design features, and has maintained the same quality and thoughtful design in the expansion.

“The expansion cements the FDRC as the premiere recreation facility in Ottawa, let alone the east end,” adds Blais. “I’d like to say a big thank you to all those involved in helping make this expansion a reality.”