Renovation work at the Leslieville Community Centre is continuing to move ahead smoothly, with organizers reporting significant progress nearly two months into the project.

Work on a number of upgrades inside the building are already well underway. Fire compartmentalization — an important safety measure designed to slow the spread of fire within a structure — is nearly complete.

New drywall has also been installed throughout portions of the facility and is now being prepared for painting, while the centre’s kitchen has been fully gutted so repairs and upgrades can move forward. Crews have also begun installing updated lighting as part of the ongoing improvements.

Organizers say the changes are an exciting step forward for a building that has served as a central gathering place for the Leslieville community for generations.

“These upgrades are essential to meeting current safety requirements and ensuring the Leslieville Community Centre remains a safe and welcoming hub for the community,” organizers said in an update shared this week.

The renovations are part of a larger effort to modernize the building and ensure it can continue operating while meeting current safety and regulatory standards.

In 2025, officials with the centre said more than $500,000 in renovations and retrofits would be required to maintain the building’s occupancy permit and keep the facility open.

Fundraising efforts have been ongoing since mid-2024, with community events and donations helping to support the project. The centre has also been applying for grants to help cover renovation costs.

Organizers say they are continuing to work toward securing the remaining funds needed so that the contractor already on site can complete all planned upgrades efficiently and cost-effectively.

The Leslieville Community Centre has long served as a gathering space for families, seniors and local organizations, hosting everything from community meetings to special events.

Those involved with the project say the ongoing renovations will help ensure the facility can continue filling that role for many years to come.

Organizers are thanking residents for their patience and support while construction continues and say more updates will be shared as the project moves into its next phase.