At CiF Lab Solutions, we believe that the spaces we build are only as good as the communities they serve. That’s why we were so honoured to donate a professional-grade kitchen installation to the Yonge Eglinton Community Centre (YECC).
What started out as a design project has blossomed into a bustling Toronto community hub for connection, culture and of course cooking.
A Community Centre Kitchen Design Built to Last
When we provided the custom kitchen solutions and cabinetry for this space, we knew the infrastructure had to be incredibly durable. But we didn’t realize just how much use it would get! Today, the kitchen is a non-stop hub of activity, running programs four days a week.
One of the most impactful programs currently running is "Welcoming and Engaging Newcomers to Canada." This initiative uses the kitchen to help newcomers transition to life in Toronto, providing a welcoming space where people can share recipes, traditions and skills over a stove.
More Than Just Programming
It’s not just about the formal classes either. John Carey, the Executive Director at YECC, shared that the new layout has also completely transformed their internal team culture. Every Friday, the staff gathers in the kitchen to prepare a snack to share. It has become a cornerstone of their week, giving everyone a moment to breathe, connect and enjoy the space they’ve built together.
Full Testimonial
Our newly renovated kitchen at Yonge Eglinton Community Centre has already become much more than a functional program space; it is a place where people gather, learn, share and build community. Through programs such as Cooking Connections and Welcoming and Engaging Newcomers to Canada, the kitchen creates opportunities for older adults, newcomer seniors, families and children to come together through food, culture and conversation. It allows participants to share recipes, traditions and life experiences, while building relationships that reduce isolation and strengthen belonging. For newcomers, the kitchen provides a welcoming and familiar entry point into community life. For older adults, it creates a meaningful space to mentor, contribute and connect across generations. For families and children, it offers hands-on learning, healthy food skills and positive intergenerational experiences.
The renovated kitchen also strengthens YECC’s ability to deliver inclusive, community-based programming that responds directly to local need. It supports culturally relevant cooking activities, shared meals, nutrition education, volunteer engagement, intergenerational learning and social connection. Most importantly, it gives YECC the infrastructure needed to turn a simple activity, cooking together, into a powerful tool for inclusion, wellness, friendship and community building.
YECC is deeply grateful to CiF Lab Solutions for its generous donation of the design and construction of our kitchen. This contribution has had an immediate and lasting impact on our Centre and the community we serve. CiF Lab Solutions has helped create a warm, practical and welcoming space where residents of all ages and backgrounds can come together, feel valued and participate fully in community life. Their generosity has strengthened YECC’s capacity to serve newcomers, older adults, children and families, and has helped bring our vision for intergenerational and newcomer-focused programming to life.
John Carey
Executive Director
Yonge Eglinton Community Centre
Looking Forward to Lasting Impact
We are incredibly proud to see our millwork and kitchen solutions being used to foster inclusivity, wellness and team spirit at Yonge Eglinton. A kitchen is just wood and hardware until you add people, and this wonderful community has turned this space into something truly special.