Burnaby council has approved a renovation for the upper floor of the Bonsor Recreation Complex to the tune of $1.3 million.
The upgrade is expected to serve an additional 2,000 people a week, or about 100,000 a year, according to a city staff report.
Last year, the Bonsor 55-plus Society relocated from the upper floor of the centre to the new Bonsor 55-plus Centre on Bennett Street.
The Bonsor facility has already undergone two renovation projects in the last several years, including a restaurant converting into a cardio space and the conversion of two racquetball courts into a yoga studio and multi-purpose room.
The space on the upper floor totals about 3,340 square feet, which will expand to create more recreational opportunities for community members, according to the report.
The space will be divided up in the following ways: there will be a 2,000 sq. ft. room with a sprung wood floor for dance programs, fitness classes and social events, which looks out onto the outside deck; an 800 sq. ft. room for a spin cycling studio; two sound music studios, 100 sq. ft. each; and a comfortable waiting area for community members.
The city undertook a consultation process with existing patrons at the centre, and the feedback supported staff's direction, the report states.
The estimated construction costs are expected to be about $1.1 million, with additional fees for permits, furnishings, equipment and other costs.
