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Discovery Branch
The new Multi-use Recreation Complex (MURC) is one of the largest projects in the Town’s history. It is a state-of-the-art facility offering programs and activities for people of all ages and abilities.
The MURC is located at 261 Garrett Styles Drive on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road.
The MURC includes:
- Six-lane 25-metre pool
- Two-depth leisure pool
- Therapy pool
- Double gymnasium
- Indoor walking track
- Multi-use meeting/activity rooms
- Active living space
- Discovery Branch of Georgina Public Library
The Discovery Branch is your new community living room. This inclusive, multi-generational and multi-purpose space will include expanded programs, quiet study rooms, spaces for people to meet and connect, an outdoor reading garden, and a Maker Space with exciting new tools and technology including a music and video recording studio, a laser cutter, sewing and embroidery machines, a large format printer, and more.
Learn more about the MURC
In 2018, Council directed staff to review, in collaboration with public input, the proposed 10,000-square-foot library within the MURC at an estimated cost of $4 to $4.5 million based on a square footage cost of $400 to $450. Once the MURC architect team is hired for the project, the team and staff will host a visioning session with stakeholders to further refine the program and size requirements for the MURC, including the library. Coming out of that there are likely to be a few options related to the library size and potential shared spaces for consideration by the Town. Only once the design is developed will there be a more accurate idea of what the portion of the entire MURC project budget is directly attributable to the Library.| Is there a YRT bus route to the MURC? |
| The MURC is served by a new, limited-service Route 51 – Keswick connecting neighbourhoods in Keswick with the MURC as well as by YRT On-Request Keswick. |
| Will there be a multi-use path at the MURC? |
| York Region and the Town of Georgina continue their strong partnership to expand the active transportation network along Woodbine Avenue. After months of discussion, this collaboration will bring a new multi-use path to 261 Garrett Styles Drive on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road., completing a necessary active transportation connection to the Town’s new Multi-use Recreation Complex. The detailed design is now underway with construction planned in 2024. |
| What services does the new Discovery Branch offer? |
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The new branch offers the following services:
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| What is the cost of the Discovery Branch? |
| In 2018, Council directed staff to review, in collaboration with public input, the proposed 10,000-square-foot library within the MURC at an estimated cost of $4 to $4.5 million based on a square footage cost of $400 to $450. Once the MURC architect team is hired for the project, the team and staff will host a visioning session with stakeholders to further refine the program and size requirements for the MURC, including the library. Coming out of that there are likely to be a few options related to the library size and potential shared spaces for consideration by the Town. Only once the design is developed will there be a more accurate idea of what the portion of the entire MURC project budget is directly attributable to the Library. |
| Why does Georgina need another library branch? Why not expand Keswick Branch? |
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In 2016, the Georgina Public Library Board commissioned a library services and facilities study to guide the development of the library over the next 10 years. Based on professional standards, the consultants identified a lack of 15,000 square feet of library space to meet the present and growing needs of our community. The Library Board Strategic Plan identified the requirement for a branch in the rapidly growing area of south Keswick. The library board settled on a 10,000-square-foot branch with additional space shared with the Town’s Recreation and Culture Department. The MURC project provides an opportunity to address this shortcoming in service levels. Most new public libraries are being built as part of a community hub rather than stand-alone buildings. These designs have proved to be more cost effective to build and operate, more convenient for residents, and allow for shared space for a variety of activities. It is not feasible or cost effective to expand the existing Keswick Branch and the new library will offer new library services that will complement the services offered in the north Keswick Branch. The focus will be on digital literacy and community programming space. The library will also meet the need for more children’s programming space and services, which are in increasing demand. |
| Have Questions? |
| That’s great! If you do, we think others will also. Please send your questions to Community Services so we can provide you with the answer. |
| Media Contact at Town of Georgina |
| Email Tanya Thompson, Communications Manager (Strategic Initiatives Department) Phone: 905-476-4305, ext. 2446 |
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