About Us

Additionally, the W.I.S.H. Centre has recently been the focus of a municipal pilot project aimed at expanding programming for teens aged 14 to 18. The initiative includes a five-year rent freeze, which enables the centre to redirect its resources towards increased youth support—including expanded hours, open gym time, more weekend activities, and services tailored for older students, such as gaming rooms, high-speed Internet, and special social events. This expansion helps address gaps for teens who are not interested in organized sports, providing them with a safe, accessible, and welcoming environment. The centre’s mission aligns closely with Chatham-Kent’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice goals, by removing barriers for youth—particularly those from marginalized or lower socio-economic backgrounds—and ensuring all children and teens have a place they can belong.

The W.I.S.H. Centre is wheelchair accessible and offers programs and services in both English and French. All citizens of Chatham-Kent are welcome to participate, and a screening process is in place for certain programs. The facility plays an important role in providing mentorship, recreation, and connection for the community’s youth and families, reinforcing its position as a cornerstone for recreation and social support in the region.