South Gate has expanded . . . by about 4,000 sq ft

South Gate has expanded . . . by about 4,000 sq ft

Geography verification time. South Gate Centre is found in the south side of Woodstock, at the edge of Southside Park very near the war memorial gate to the park, which is at the north side of the 1909-created municipal park, with an address of 191 Old Wellington South

South Gate Centre -- earlier this year -- debuted its (approximate) $9 million addition, which significantly increased the community centre's square footage (by about 4,000 sq ft; known as the Leonard Reeves wing), and thereby introduces a solid addition of programming space for activities ranging from fitness to woodworking, billiards to dance, card tournaments to coffer socials, and an assortment of additional hobbies. When you talk cards, just about every game is part of the South Gate schedule with euchre, cribbage, mahjong, bridge, and even klaverjas.

The added space translates into a kitchen and community room able to host much larger weddings, banquets, and trade shows, and special happenings like a murder mystery dinner, perhaps a groundhog breakfast, or a Mother's Day brunch.

South Gate executive director Chris Cunningham is ecstatic to talk about the brand new amenities.

Chris Cunningham with South Gate board member Jeff Workman

“I’m so excited to share it with the community and to take people through. The possibilities for it are endless,” said Cunningham to the Woodstock Sentinel-Review in January.

“We just want to make that vibe very social. We want it to be where people can come and hang out – where they feel they’ve got a place to come.”

With a construction budget requiring assistance from the City of Woodstock ($7.8 million), and a positive active South Gate fundraising team led by David Hilderley (expansion campaign chair for their goal of $1.7 million) and the South Gate board of directors led by current chair Christian Lagos. The board also includes city councillor Connie Lauder, retired city treasurer Patrice Hilderley, plus Jeff Workman, Audrey Owen, Mike Houle, and past chair Kathy Deweerd.

Additional South Gate events include ball teams, bus trips, health trade shows, a seminar series, organized dances, and a golf group calling the Creekside course its home. Membership programs range from computer courses to pottery to pilates and

Sponsorships include the new community hall naming rights to financial contributor Wilma Boughtflower

The kitchen improvements permit the South Gate Centre to host more local gatherings and regular meetings. South Gate has recently hosted the Woodstock years-of-service recognition dinner, the breakfast with mayor Jerry Acchione, and the 20-year celebration for 104.7 Heart FM.

I'm a long-time Lions Club of Woodstock member and our service club hosts its monthly meetings and dinners at South Gate, plus our Thursday night regular Bingo nights.

Membership (Adults 50 +) has its privileges (American Express slogan), and membership for the remainder of 2026 is $170 per person. Lots of details can be discovered in their online newsletter called On The Move.

"This new space is more than a building. It is a testament to resilience, sacrifice, community, and love — and to the extraordinary people who make South Gate Centre a place of belonging, care, and possibility," said Lagos in a previous newsletter. "This is a true gem in for our community and city!"

"To our members, thank you for your patience, trust, and steadfast support over the past few years. Your belief in South Gate — and in the future we are building together — has meant more than words can express and is a big factor in getting us here today."