WIBCA is raising funds for a new building to keep the community thriving

The West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) says a new center is needed to provide more space for community development.

“This is a very important project, not just for me, but for the black community and for the community as a whole,” explains Errol Johnson, Deputy Mayor of Dollard-Des Ormeaux (DDO).

WIBCA, which has more than 400 members, says the community center on 4e Avenue needs to grow and modernize.

“What I've noticed is that thriving communities have an institution that they can pull around,” said Frank Bayliss, vice president of the WIBCA. “Anyone who comes to any event at WIBCA knows that this building is alive and it's a reflection of the community.”

The new building will include shared spaces for groups as well as a robotics lab to support WIBCA's award-winning program.

“I'm part of the robotics program because I want to be an astronaut,” said 8th grader Makayla Aitey-Armah. “Thanks to WIBCA, I ended up at the Canadian Space Agency.”

The association has already raised some of the money needed and has pledged support from the Quebec government as well as neighboring municipalities.

“Nineteen services and programs and all of them are free,” said Joanne Lee, president of the WIBCA. “That's why we always collect funds. We never want to hear anyone say they can't participate in the WIBCA.”

The project is expected to cost $3.5 million and break ground next year.