Community Center in Montreal

Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association is a dynamic space where people from all backgrounds converge to enrich their lives and strengthen the bonds of our community in Montreal. Our fun, comprehensive programs cater to individuals of all ages and interests, fostering personal growth, promoting wellness, and igniting a passion for lifelong learning. When you walk through our doors, you’ll discover a warm, inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and empowers each person to reach their full potential.

We love welcoming new faces day in and out. So, if you’re looking for a warm community and engaging experience, our community center is the place to be. Call (514) 872-6134 to inquire about operating hours.

Join Montreal’s Inclusive Community Center


Why Should You Join a Community Center?

Joining our community center offers you a unique opportunity to enhance your lifestyle through diverse programs, social events, and educational workshops, all within a welcoming and inclusive environment. Our facility includes a multi-purpose gym that accommodates activities like our youth basketball program and comfortable rooms where you can join a class or participate in a community event.

Becoming a member gives you access to engaging group classes and a vibrant community that fosters lasting friendships and networking opportunities. Our center also offers family-friendly activities, youth programs, classes for seniors, and volunteer opportunities, ensuring everyone, from children to seniors, can participate and benefit.

Join our community center to embrace a more connected lifestyle and discover the perfect blend of wellness, learning, and community engagement right in your neighborhood.

What Skills Can Teens and Children Gain From a Recreation Center?

Our recreation centers offer valuable life skills to teens and children through a variety of programs. Sports programs, for example, teach teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, helping young people develop both physically and mentally. They can be a healthy outlet and assist in building confidence and staying active.

We also provide academic and career support through our drop-in center. Teens can receive help with building their resumes and filling out university applications. They’ll gain important skills in communication and planning that will benefit them in their future educational and professional endeavors.

Here are some other skills teens and children can gain from recreation centers:

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
  • Social skills and relationship-building
  • Conflict resolution and cooperation
  • Adaptability and flexibility in new situations
  • Creativity and self-expression through arts programs
  • Goal-setting and personal achievement tracking

How Does a Rec Center Encourage Community Engagement?

Community engagement is important for fostering a sense of belonging and unity. We believe in creating opportunities for individuals to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the community. Our center helps build strong bonds between individuals and helps them feel a shared sense of purpose while promoting inclusivity and participation from all backgrounds.

We allow for opportunities to turn personal and interpersonal skills into actionable contributions to strengthen our community.

We also collaborate with other community-based groups and organizations to increase engagement through meaningful opportunities that inspire connection and action.

Why Is It Important for Families To Learn About Healthy Eating?

Learning about healthy eating is important, but putting that knowledge into practice is what makes a difference. Understanding nutrition helps you and your family make informed food choices. Starting from an early age, if possible, helps build lifelong habits.

Our Boite-A-Lunch or Lunch Box Workshop helps bridge the gap between knowledge and action. During these workshops, our volunteers highlight the importance of balanced meals and offer simple, practical recipes your family can easily incorporate into your daily routines.

The workshops also help children understand the cultural relevance and trends of food. By recognizing cultural approaches to nutrition, children can appreciate food from around the globe and understand how cultural traditions influence what they eat.

Participate in Our Many Community Center Programs

We offer an extensive array of enriching programs and activities for individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

Here are some of the community center programs offered:

  • After-school clubs and basketball leagues for children and youth
  • Art classes for teenagers
  • Strength & conditioning for kids
  • Sports programs
  • Kripalu yoga classes
  • Workshops for kids containing a wide range of topics and skills
  • Beginner fiber arts courses
  • Music production programs for teens and young adults

After-School Program

Catering to kids from ages 5 to 12, our after-school program is among our most popular offerings. Here, we’ve cultivated a space for your children to spend time together after school in a safe setting where they can learn new skills, strengthen friendships, and be a part of a diverse cultural community. With something for every interest—from art, cooking, and computer classes to basketball and soccer lessons—we’re proud to offer a unique experience that’s sure to become a part of their core memories.

Who Can Join a Cooking Class?

Cooking classes are open to people of all ages.

For children, these classes spark creativity, build confidence, and introduce healthy eating habits in an engaging way. They also encourage teamwork and teach practical life skills.

Adults can also gain a lot from joining a cooking class, and you don’t need to be a professional chef to enjoy and learn from the experience. You can improve your skills and learn about ingredients, basic recipes, and techniques in a supportive and interactive environment.

Our cooking classes are open to:

  • Beginners looking to gain confidence in the kitchen
  • Families seeking a fun group activity
  • Teens discovering a passion for cooking
  • Community groups or friends wanting a unique bonding experience
  • Individuals with dietary restrictions looking for tailored cooking tips

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen, a family seeking quality time, or someone eager to refine your culinary skills, our cooking classes offer something for everyone. Join us and discover the joy of cooking in a welcoming, hands-on environment where creativity and learning come together to create unforgettable experiences.

After-School Sports Club

Is your child passionate about basketball? Our after-school basketball club is a great way for them to practice, hone their skills, stay active, and compete against other local teams. Learning how to be a part of and contribute to a team is an essential skill your child will carry forward with them. They’ll also learn to dribble, play offense and defense, pass, and shoot.

We break our teams down into three categories:

  • 8 to 12
  • 12 to 13
  • 14 to 15

Do You Need To Know the Game To Join a Basketball Class?

Children don’t need to know or have experience playing the game to join our basketball class. All skill levels and experience are welcome, whether they’re complete beginners or have some knowledge of the sport. Our classes are designed to teach the basics and help kids build confidence as they learn.

There are no prerequisites to join—just a willingness to participate and have fun. The goal of our sports programs is to provide a supportive environment where your children can develop their skills, stay active, and enjoy the game at a casual pace.

Summer Day Camps

Keep your kids engaged when school gets out with summer day camps that encompass swimming, skating, bowling, basketball, soccer, arts and crafts, and music. We strive to make your child’s summer experience with us as enriching as possible, offering inclusive activities that help them explore their strengths, foster new connections, and create unforgettable memories.

Community Arts and Crafts Workshops

We offer art classes and craft workshops for all age groups. From lessons in textile arts to craft activities for kids, youths, and teens, you’ll find we’re serious about supporting the budding artist inside every person who enters our space.

Computer Class

Young people inherit many of the technological skills often required to navigate learning and their careers, but for those over 50, these skills can be empowering. Our computer classes are specifically designed to help individuals in this age group master tasks like sending emails and creating Excel files.

The program focuses on those 50 and older and is structured to ensure participants can learn at their own pace. This approach will help you or someone you know build confidence in using technology, making it easier to stay connected with family and friends.

How Do DJ Classes Help Teens Explore Music and Creativity?

The ability to explore musical interests and talents in school can often be limited. Our DJ class provides teens with a unique outlet to express themselves creatively. It introduces them to the fundamentals of music mixing and sound design, allowing them to experiment with different styles.

Even for teens who don’t aspire to be musicians or necessarily make a career out of music, this class offers valuable skills that can benefit them in other areas. It promotes creativity, builds confidence, and teaches technical abilities that can be applied in various fields.

To help support learning in this environment, we:

  • Provide hands-on guidance with DJ equipment
  • Offer personalized feedback to help teens refine their skills
  • Encourage experimentation with different music styles and genres
  • Create a supportive and judgment-free learning atmosphere

Stop by Our Drop-in Center

Our community center empowers local teens through engaging programs and resources. In addition to our many programs, our drop-in center is open to youth aged 14-18. It provides a safe space where they can explore interests like music production and the arts while developing essential life skills.

Beyond this, we help them prepare for the workforce. From crafting standout resumes to providing guidance on college selections and applications, our goal is to nurture their personal and professional growth.

The Many Benefits of Community Centers

One of the core reasons members of our Montreal community participate in programs at our center is to be part of a smaller, more connected community.

In addition to this, here are the many other benefits:

  • Promotes fitness and healthy lifestyles
  • Access to after-school programs
  • Support youth development programs
  • Foster social connections and friendships
  • Celebrates diversity
  • Improves social, interpersonal, and communication skills

How Does Our Community Hub Support Lifelong Learning?

We’re a community hub supporting lifelong learning by offering programs for people 50 and above. Would you like to improve your computer and technology skills? Join one of our computer classes to strengthen your knowledge and feel comfortable asking tech questions in a safe and friendly environment.

We also offer cooking and dance classes for adults. If that’s not your thing, join our 50+ community to partake in some of your favourite board games.

How Do Board Games Promote a Sense of Community?

Board games like Scrabble and chess provide a meaningful way for people to connect without relying on technology. These activities encourage face-to-face interaction, fostering conversations, laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment. They’re particularly popular for our 50+ groups, as they offer an opportunity for social bonding and mental stimulation in a relaxed setting.

Children can also take part in these games, creating opportunities for different age groups to interact and share experiences. By focusing on strategy and teamwork instead of screens, board games help build a sense of community that’s inclusive, engaging, and free from digital distractions.

Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association: Our Commitment to You

Our community-focused team works as one, striving to foster a strong sense of social inclusion and engagement within Montreal. We continually seek innovative ways to provide practical, enjoyable programs and services that help our participants achieve their goals.

Over time, we’ve cultivated partnerships with various local groups and organizations to expand our offerings in ways that most help our community. Our many programs cater to individuals of all ages, providing enriching opportunities for learning, creativity, physical activity, and social connection in a safe and supportive environment.

From after-school care to youth programs and summer camps, our community center is a gathering hub promoting personal growth, cultural exploration, and an active lifestyle.

Volunteer Opportunities in Your Community

Seize your opportunity to shine when you add your skills to our vibrant group of volunteers. We encourage you to tell us more about what you bring to the table and are happy to have your help strengthening our team and community.

How Does Volunteering Support Programs at Your Local Community Center?

Volunteering supports our local community center’s programs by providing extra hands and fresh ideas. Whether you’re a teenager looking to fulfill volunteer requirements, a parent with free time, or a recent retiree, you can help our various programs run smoothly, assist with events, and lend a hand with organizing activities.

You can also pitch workshop ideas that align with the community’s needs or interests. Perhaps you have a passion for teaching art, leading fitness classes, or sharing your expertise in a specific field. You can bring your unique skills or passions to the table to help us expand the programs offered at our center.

A Place for Everyone Pursuing Lifelong Learning

Westhaven Elmhurst Community Recreation Association’s team is always eager to have you join our thriving community of lifelong learners. If you’re looking for a place to spend after work or school hours, to build new friendships, or to seek life and educational guidance, you’ve found it!

Reach our center at (514) 872-6134 for program inquiries.

Looking for a community center in Montreal? Contact us at (514) 872-6134.