Ontario Construction News staff writer
The future Whitby Sports Complex will be an accessible, net-zero carbon facility to be built with $25 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.
In July Whitby council approved an award to Ledcor Construction Limited for the construction of the complex and park with a revised estimate of $154.9 million, $43.4 million over the original budgeted amount.
Council also awarded a fee adjustment for architectural design services to Perkins + Will Architecture for $2.7 million.
The complex will incorporate features to help visitors navigate and use it with ease. This includes features such as wheelchair ramps, slip resistant floor finishes, widened automated doorways, ramp access in swimming pools, and barrier-free signage. There will also be gender-neutral and universal washrooms and change rooms.
By building the complex to net-zero carbon standards, Whitby is working to unite its present and future needs with its climate and sustainability commitments.
“This is fantastic news for the Town of Whitby and our community. The Whitby Sports Complex will serve our growing community by offering a wide range of athletic, recreational and cultural programs and activities,” said Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull. “I have consistently advocated for this meaningful investment from the federal government and know it will ensure the sports complex will be built to net-zero carbon standards, be barrier-free, and inclusive for the entire community.”
The indoor portion of the sports complex will have a twin-pad arena, an aquatics centre, double gymnasium, wellness studio, three-lane walking track, meeting rooms, and arts and cultural spaces.
“This state-of-the-art facility will meet the immediate and future recreation needs of our rapidly growing community as well as the Town’s environmental and climate commitments,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “It will be one of the first multipurpose recreation facilities in Canada to be certified as a LEED Gold and Zero Carbon Building through the Canada Green Building Council.”
The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is now closed.