John Armitage Announced as Campaign Chair

Loyalist Township is proud to formally launch the WJ Henderson Revitalization Campaign with the announcement of John Armitage as the Campaign Chair. 

This campaign marks a pivotal moment in the history of our region. For nearly 50 years, the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre has been a place where residents have come to connect, compete, learn, and grow. Today, our proud recreation centre is in dire need of an expansion and revitalization. The population of Loyalist Township is experiencing rapid growth. At the same time, aging infrastructure is proving to be inadequate at offering the high quality of service that our residents and neighbours expect and deserve. Our current centre is inaccessible to many members of our community, including youth and seniors who most need its facilities. 

The revitalized W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre will feature an 8-lane, 25-metre pool, a new warm-water leisure pool, updates to arena infrastructure, enhanced accessibility, updated change rooms, green energy upgrades and a new Indigenous Legacy Space in partnership with the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund. These improvements are supported by $16.5 million in federal grants and a $6.55 million investment from the City of Kingston, recognizing the centre’s role as a regional hub. 

Construction on the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre is underway, and we are now turning to the people who have benefited from this community space—and those who believe in its future—to help raise the final $2 million needed to complete the revitalization. 

The campaign is being led by Campaign Chair John Armitage. Mr. Armitage is a longtime supporter of community infrastructure, recreation, and charitable endeavours in Loyalist and the surrounding area. Mr. Armitage shared: 
“It’s a privilege to help lead this campaign for a place that means so much to so many. I’m proud to have made my own leadership gift and to be joined by volunteers who are equally committed to ensuring that the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre remains a place where every generation can feel welcome, included, and active.” 

The campaign cabinet is composed of community members and business leaders from across Loyalist Township that are dedicated to making an impactful difference on this revitalization project. Mr. Armitage, along with Mayor and Council wish to extend their thanks to cabinet members. Each member of the campaign cabinet has made a personal commitment to the campaign and will be supporting fundraising efforts through peer-to-peer outreach and community engagement. 

Loyalist Township extends its gratitude to the campaign leadership and volunteers for their energy and commitment to this effort. Their work ensures that the renewed centre remains a welcoming, inclusive space for all residents. 

For more information about the campaign, to contact us about donating, or to get involved, please contact the campaign office at communications@loyalist.ca or visit www.wjrenewal.ca. Naming opportunities and donor recognition programs are available for major gifts. 

Together, we can leave a lasting mark on the revitalized W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre which is at the heart of Loyalist Township.