VILLA CHARITIES
Campus Highlights
Villa Charities made significant progress during 2019 on a multi-year project to enhance and renovate our facilities .
The most visible improvements included building new studios for our dance , music and art programs , and enhancing our Athletic Club facilities . We also installed a new exterior digital sign on Lawrence Ave . to better promote the activities offered on our campus .
Villa Charities initiated the project in 2018 to repair and replace aging facilities and infrastructure . An external consultant was engaged last year to assess the condition of all VCI properties and identify deficiencies and replacements required over the next decade . The consultants found that $ 20 million in spending will be required to address much-needed building repairs and maintenance .
In 2019 , VCI and its affiliates spent approximately $ 2.6 million to improve parking facilities , replace multiple heating , ventilation and air conditioning units , upgrade information technology systems , repair roofing and our electrical infrastructure , and upgrade other equipment . At the Columbus Centre , we launched a major initiative to optimize the use and enhance the quality of our facilities . The improvements reflect Villa Charities ’ commitment to ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future , and to enriching the experiences for all involved .
In parallel with these changes , Villa Charities is thrilled to welcome three organizations as new tenants in our newly upgraded facilities . All of them have a history with the Italian-Canadian community and offer programs and services that complement our offerings and add value to our campus .
Two organizations relocated to the campus last fall : TLN Media Group ’ s corporate and multicultural media production headquarters ; and the studios and faculty of the Academy of Realist Art , a private institution that teaches drawing and painting in the old master tradition . In 2020 , we will welcome Leonardo Da Vinci Academy , a prestigious independent Montessori-centred school .
“ The improvements reflect Villa Charities ’ commitment to ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future .”
20 | Consolidated Annual Report 2019