Cheam Centre Historic Precinct Plaque

Cheam Centre Historic Precinct

You are standing at the area south of Tamihi Rooad and east of the Boulevard that grew into the centre for community activity and support for military personnel and their families. A former hangar building once located near this corner became the social centre for the community and housed local gatherings and club meetings. Next to it, a teen hall known as 'The Shack' held dances, and meetings. Recreational, retail and commercial buildings continued to be added into the early 1970s in support of the growing Mitchell Gardens Community. The enclave consisted of the Cheam Centre recreational complex, as well as a library that also played host to clubs and housed the Base Band. An old drill hall housed a day care, French immersion school, roller-skating and thrift shop. A CANEX (Canadian Exchange) general store building also housed a barbership, dry cleaner and coffee shop. There were two chapels in this area, along with a hospital and dental clinic. Most of the buildings were demolished after the base closure but this rejuvenated precinct lives on as the "heart" of the community.

CANADA LANDS COMPANY
SOCIÉTÉ IMMOBLIÉRE DU CANADA