Possibly the most exciting announcement involves conversion of the abandoned Lincoln Alexander SS swimming pool into a full Youth Hub. Closed seven years ago when the new Community Centre opened across the road, the City-owned building on Peel Board land has had its doors chained, waiting for just the right proposal for the more than 10,000 residents under the age of 19 who live in Malton. With the reminder that 11% for the Region of Peel’s operating budget comes from Ward 5, and 24% of the City’s, Councillors were convinced to put the $10 million required for the conversion of 12,000 square feet of space, into 2019 budgets. Regional and City Councillors unanimously voted to convert the unused pool into this hub. The ground floor will be a drop-in centre for after school casual use: music, computers, pool tables, a creative art centre and a functioning kitchen. A 40% mezzanine will house social and health services under the umbrella organization of the United Way of Peel and Malton Neighborhood Services which recently received a $300,000 provincial grant for HUB development.