The goal of the Abilities Centre (AC) is to become an internationally renowned facility for services to persons with special needs and the communities in which they live. The centre will provide a full range of barrier free recreation, rehabilitation and sports programs. It will also provide the expertise for programmes and facilities across the country to maximize the inclusiveness of programmes and eliminate barriers to participation.

The AC plans to host more than 1.5 million visitors annually, including regional, provincial, national and international championships and competitions in such areas of sport as wheelchair basketball, amputee volleyball, athletics and hockey.

By hosting Events and Conferences the AC will facilitate the sharing of expertise, resources and “best practices” with the leading agencies and program providers as well as Universities, Colleges and training centres.

The AC will create a unique lifelong resource for persons with special needs and their primary care givers. The current prevalent model across Canada has two systems, the first deals with children through their years in public education, and, the second supports older youth, adults and seniors. The facility will respond to the particular need for programs that facilitate independence, enhance healthy lifestyles and support personal care for this growing segment of the population.

The Abilities Centre will partner with the Iroquois Park Complex, building on their existing facilities and services. The central component of the Abilities Centre will be an 110,000 square foot barrier-free facility, which will include a field house. This will make the Abilities Centre the largest facility of its type in Canada. Contained in the field house will be a 5 lane 200m track, full size courts suitable for wheelchair basketball, goal ball, volleyball and movement education classes, as well as a fitness facility, therapy rooms, performing arts areas, and conference and meeting facilities. Clients will also benefit from accessible changing areas, lockers and showers.

Through their partnership, with the Iroquois Park Complex, the Abilities Centre will also provide access to pools, ice facilities, baseball, soccer, waterfront trails and a marina allowing us to host a myriad of activities, rehabilitation programs, sports events and education courses.

Innovation :

The Abilities Centre will provide a unique learning, training, rehabilitation and recreation centre in the heart of the country. The Abilities Centre will represent a paradigm shift, leading to enhanced dignity for children, youth and adults who will be stakeholders in a facility that welcomes and hosts everyone. Social barriers will give way to inclusion because of the integral focus on developing “abilities”. Our facility will offer top professionals, recreation equipment, suppliers and designers.

We will be the most accessible place to host regional, national and international special events. We will earn an international reputation as a leader in adapted, inclusive living opportunities for all people with disabilities, regardless of medical conditions, mobility impairments, and developmental, cognitive, psychiatric or social disabilities.

Imagine a place where the children who are potential future Paralympians get to see their sports highlighted, see heroes in the midst, who may be competing in chairs, on carbon fibre legs, without sight or showing athletic grace in spite of the inherent awkwardness of Cerebral Palsy. The Ability Centre will provide opportunities for all of us to witness human performance at its best and to be inspired to continue to work towards communities that include everyone and celebrate all abilities.