Ontario Construction News staff writer
The process to design and construct the new Whitby Sports Complex has reached another milestone with town council directing staff to proceed with obtaining bids from prequalified contractors for the construction of the new facility. Construction of the new sports complex is on track to begin later this year, with an anticipated opening in late-2025.
Town staff will report back to council in the coming months with the results of the tender process and approval to begin construction.
“I am very pleased council has approved the final design for the Whitby Sports Complex, which allows this project to take another step forward. We know that recreation is so important to our residents,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “During the 2023 budget consultation, enhanced indoor and outdoor facilities was one of the top three priorities identified by the community.
“Public consultation played a big role in the design of this complex – and now there is the opportunity for residents to weigh in on the proposed design for the outdoor park space to support it. I encourage everyone to visit connectwhitby.ca to share their feedback.”
The development plan includes:
- an aquatic centre with a 25-metre, 10-lane pool, separate leisure pool and 2nd floor spectator viewing area – which will make the Whitby Sports Complex home to the largest pool in Durham Region
- a double gymnasium, with three-lane indoor walking track
- a twin-pad arena with 85-foot by 190-foot ice pads
- flexible spaces to support community programs, meetings, and arts and cultural activities
The proposed design for the outdoor park includes pickleball, tennis, and basketball courts; a multi-purpose sports field; a playground; as well as a skatepark and pump track.
Together, the facility’s amenities are designed to create a multi-purpose gathering space for inclusive sport and community programming – a place for residents of all ages and abilities to connect, play and get active.
Also, a variety of environmental sustainability initiatives will be explored during the design process for the complex including the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold and Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) certifications.