Salvation Army Breaks Ground for New, Expanded Facility

With the demand for services on the rise in Toronto’s Central York Region, The Salvation Army Northridge Community Church broke ground on September 22 for a new, larger facility that will accommodate the community’s growing needs.

As one of the largest social service agencies in the region, The Salvation Army assists thousands of people each year with basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter – along with advocacy and relevant programs to help people overcome emotional and social obstacles.

While staff and volunteers continue to maximize the space at the current Newmarket facility, there is an ongoing struggle to accommodate increased attendance and growing demand for new and greatly needed programs in the community.

The new space will offer:
• Easy access to the highway and public transit.
• more visibilty to residents.
• ample parking.
• a 500-seat auditorium
• a gymnasium
• a community kitchen
• large outdoor green spaces for events and gatherings
• much needed onsite storage space for food, clothing and Christmas items such as toys.
• Space to expand the emergency food bank.
• Space to create new programs to respond to the needs of the communities.

Says Major/Pastor Brian Bishop, “More space means more capacity to reach out and extend hope and a helping hand in new ways, to more families and individuals in need in our growing community.

“All who walk through the doors will find hope and dignity. We seek to ensure that everyone in Central York Region is aware that the help we offer is affordable, accessible and available.”

Building at the new location, 15338 Leslie, Street, Aurora, will begin in 2012.