Abilities Centre

Abilities Centre 125,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art fully accessible centre offering sports, fitness, arts & life skills. ft. facility in Whitby, Ontario.
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Abilities Centre is a vibrant, inclusive community hub where people of all ages and abilities come together to connect, learn, and grow. From sports, fitness, and arts to education, research, and life skills programs, everything we do is about creating opportunities in a welcoming, energetic space. Our story began in August 2000, when Christine Elliott and the late Honourable Jim Flaherty imagined a place that would break down barriers and open doors for the over 15% of Canadians living with a disability. They dreamed of a state-of-the-art facility where inclusion was the standard and where people could thrive together. With the support of dedicated volunteers, all levels of government, private donors, and our community, that dream became reality. Ground broke in May 2010, and by June 2012 we opened the doors to our 125,000 sq. Fast forward to today, and our facility has been recognized as one of the most accessible buildings in the world! Abilities Centre is a not-for-profit and registered charity, proudly recognized with the 2016 Ontario David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility. Our work is fuelled by the belief that when everyone can participate, our whole community benefits - and that’s the future we’re building, every day.

Abilities Centre is thrilled to announce that Pathways 2 Employment (P2E) is launching in January 2026, and applications...
11/12/2025

Abilities Centre is thrilled to announce that Pathways 2 Employment (P2E) is launching in January 2026, and applications are now open!

P2E is a person-centered employment program designed to support individuals with disabilities in Durham Region who are ready to find and maintain meaningful work. The program runs from January to April 2026, with sessions held at Abilities Centre and various host sites across the region. Registration closes on Friday, December 5, 2025 — so don’t wait to apply!

Who Can Apply:
✔️ You self-identify as a person with a disability
✔️ You are not currently enrolled in school, a training program, or employed
✔️ You are experiencing challenges or barriers to finding and keeping meaningful employment

This is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and create your own pathway toward employment success. Apply today and take the next step toward your goals!

This past year, the MasTR Chef program at Abilities Centre turned the kitchen into more than a place to cook - it became...
11/07/2025

This past year, the MasTR Chef program at Abilities Centre turned the kitchen into more than a place to cook - it became a space to grow. 🍳

Led by the Therapeutic Recreation team, participants rolled up their sleeves and gained hands-on skills that sparked self-confidence, creativity, and a deeper sense of independence.

🔗 Read the 2024-2025 Impact Report to learn more: https://abilitiescentre.org/our-impact/impact-reports



[Alt Text: A group of young participants in a cooking class stand behind a kitchen counter, preparing scrambled eggs on stovetops. Two participants at the front, wearing aprons and one in a chef’s hat, are focused on stirring eggs in frying pans. Others in the background smile proudly in their aprons, ready to learn and cook together in a welcoming kitchen space.]

Our Festival Flavour Sponsor! Thank you PizzaCo
11/02/2025

Our Festival Flavour Sponsor! Thank you PizzaCo

The spirit of the season is in the air!Catch  as they fill the Holiday Market with enchanting carols and heartwarming ha...
10/30/2025

The spirit of the season is in the air!
Catch as they fill the Holiday Market with enchanting carols and heartwarming harmonies spreading joy and festive cheer through every corner of the market!

Don’t miss out! online tickets close TOMORROW! 🎟️

Ticket- https://abilitiescentre.akaraisin.com/ui/holidaymarket2025

It’s your chance to be part of the magic.

Abilities Centre’s Pathways 2 Employment (P2E) program is returning January 2026!P2E is a person-centered employment pro...
10/30/2025

Abilities Centre’s Pathways 2 Employment (P2E) program is returning January 2026!

P2E is a person-centered employment program designed to help individuals with disabilities find and maintain meaningful employment. Whether you’re just starting your job search or looking for ongoing support, our team is here to help you reach your goals.

Stay tuned to our social media for registration details coming soon — and get ready to take the next step in your employment journey!

Want to get in touch? Reach out to us at empservices@abilitiescentre.org

Jayde is breaking barriers and building pathways. As one of Canada’s Mixed Ability Rugby players and a proud participant...
10/29/2025

Jayde is breaking barriers and building pathways. As one of Canada’s Mixed Ability Rugby players and a proud participant of the Thrive™ program at Abilities Centre, her journey reflects courage, leadership, and representation. 💙

She’s showing what true inclusion looks like both on the field, in the community, and beyond.

🔗 Read the 2024-2025 Impact Report to learn more: https://abilitiescentre.org/our-impact/impact-reports



[Alt Text: Three women smile at a holiday market booth filled with handmade greeting cards and festive decorations. One woman wears a Santa hat, another a holiday-themed beanie, and the third a Thrive and Abilities Centre staff vest. The setting is in the fieldhouse at Abilities Centre with vendor tables and shoppers in the background, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere.]

10/28/2025

Shop, Dance & Enjoy at Abilities Centre’s Holiday Market!

Get ready to move and groove with Abilities Centre’s favourite trainer, Artika! 💃 Join our Family Zumba Session at our Holiday Market 2025! a fun, high-energy experience for all ages. Explore our Holiday Market, filled with local, homegrown vendors and festive treats. It’s the perfect one-stop destination for fun and supporting local businesses this holiday season!



📅 Saturday, 1st November, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St, Whitby

Link for ticket in bio

🎟️ Tickets: https://abilitiescentre.akaraisin.com/ui/holidaymarket2025
• Individual (18+) – $8 CAD
• Family (2 adults + up to 3 children under 12) – $25 CAD

Success took on a new meaning this past year. With high-performance training and strong mentorship, Abilities Centre’s A...
10/23/2025

Success took on a new meaning this past year. With high-performance training and strong mentorship, Abilities Centre’s ASAD program in Durham and in London supported student-athletes in more than just sport! Watching them grow in the classroom, in confidence, and in character is truly inspiring.

🌟 96% of student-athletes reported progress in their academic, athletic, and personal development!

🔗 Read the 2024-2025 Impact Report: https://abilitiescentre.org/our-impact/impact-reports



[ALT Text: Student-athletes on the field playing rugby, in the classroom with laptops, using weights in the fieldhouse and learning about nutrition.]

Abilities Centre's Adult Social Club is kicking off again this Friday!Join us on Friday, October 24th for Karaoke Night ...
10/21/2025

Abilities Centre's Adult Social Club is kicking off again this Friday!

Join us on Friday, October 24th for Karaoke Night — the first of many fun-filled evenings designed to bring our community together. Registration for this free event curtesy of Rotary Club of Whitby is live now!

Whether you’re ready to channel your inner popstar or prefer to cheer from the crowd, dance, and socialize — there’s something for everyone. Light refreshments will be available!

All aboard the Polar Express! 🚂This holiday season, your little ones can hop on our magical Polar Express Train Ride at ...
10/20/2025

All aboard the Polar Express! 🚂

This holiday season, your little ones can hop on our magical Polar Express Train Ride at the Abilities Centre Holiday Market 2025!

Experience the joy, laughter, and sparkle of the season as the train takes them on a mini festive adventure through our winter wonderland.

📅 Saturday, 1st November, 2025
🕙 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Abilities Centre, 1 Jim Flaherty St, Whitby

Link for ticket in bio

🎟️ Tickets: https://abilitiescentre.akaraisin.com/ui/FFA72AE7098149B0AC63B4994D83F64E/tickets

• Individual (18+) – $8 CAD
• Family (2 adults + up to 3 children under 12) – $25 CAD

⚠️ Fraud Alert: Please note that Abilities Centre Holiday Market vendor & public ticket registration is ONLY available through our official channels. We do not accept payments or applications via third-party individuals or pages. If someone reaches out to you directly asking for payment outside of our official process, it is not legitimate. Stay safe and always confirm through us!

Final Call for Vendors!Tomorrow’s your last chance to join the magic at the Abilities Centre Holiday Market 2025 happeni...
10/20/2025

Final Call for Vendors!

Tomorrow’s your last chance to join the magic at the Abilities Centre Holiday Market 2025 happening Saturday, November 1, 2025 (10 AM – 4 PM) in Whitby!

If you’re a local maker, crafter or small business with something special to share this is your moment!

👉 Secure your spot now link- https://abilitiescentre.org/support-us/events-calendar/festival-of-trees

Showcase your brand to hundreds of families and community members.

Let’s make this holiday season magical together. ❤️

⚠️ Fraud Alert: Please note that Abilities Centre Holiday Market vendor & public ticket registration is ONLY available through our official channels. We do not accept payments or applications via third-party individuals or pages. If someone reaches out to you directly asking for payment outside of our official process, it is not legitimate. Stay safe and always confirm through us!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!This month, we recognize workers with disabilities across all ...
10/17/2025

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

This month, we recognize workers with disabilities across all industries. Yesterday was Light It Up! For NDEAM and our staff wore purple and blue to show support for disability inclusion.

Join us in celebrating inclusive workplaces and creating opportunities for everyone.

Address

1 Jim Flaherty Street
Whitby, ON
L1N0J2

Opening Hours

Monday 6am - 9pm
Tuesday 6am - 9pm
Wednesday 6am - 9pm
Thursday 6am - 9pm
Friday 6am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 3pm
Sunday 8am - 3pm

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