The Basilim Recreation Centre — Before and After

With different views from the parishioners and Father Pat’s reservations about the project, you can imagine how frustrating it was for the committee. Hav- ing said that, at one of our meetings Father Pat said, “If you are going to build a new hall you might as well do it right and include a swimming pool.” That

threw us for a loop, but it did prompt us to buy two properties on Sydney Street just in case.

Architect’s concept of the Rec. Centre November 4th, 1960.

At this time, the Knights of Columbus had been operating out of a home on Water Street. They had been raising funds to eventually move into larger quarters. For some reason, Father Pat insisted that the plans for the new hall include room for the knights. So the east side of the centre had a separate entrance for the Knights of Columbus. They stayed there for several years, until gradually the Rec Centre took over the space and rented it out to the provincial government. The knights bought a property on Hillsbrough Street, which became their new home. At the present time they are located in the basement of the Basilica.

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