New East Gwillimbury rec centre estimated cost is $50 million

Council questioned if the COVID-19 pandemic would have lasting effects on the design of public facilities

Yorkregion.com
June 9, 2020
Simon Martin

How much is the long-awaited new recreation facility in East Gwillimbury set to cost?

Town staff revealed last month in an update on the Health and Active Living Plaza that the current estimated cost of the facility is $50 million.  

The facility to be located in the new Queensville development would include a pool, library, gym, indoor walking/running track, interior and exterior boardwalks, as well as multi-purpose space and an outdoor “living room” as gathering space.

While staff presented preliminary concepts of the facility last month, some members of council were concerned there was no mention of COVID-19 and if new changes were needed to the design process due to the pandemic.

“I do have some concerns,” Ward 1 Coun. Loralea Carruthers said. “How are plans going to change in light of current events?”

That sentiment was echoed by Ward 2 Coun. Tara Roy-DiClemente. “What does our new normal look like?” she asked. “Is it a temporary blip or is this a long-term thing on how we design this building?”

Ward 3 Coun. Scott Crone said its of the utmost importance for the town to get this project right as the $50 million price tag is the largest infrastructure cost the town has taken on in its history.  

Staff agreed to take a look at the facility with potential impacts of COVID-19 and deliver a full report

“I do think flexibility is most important,” Mayor Virginia Hackson said. “I’m not sure what the new norm really is at this point.”

According to Mark Valcic, the general manager of corporate services, the town has been slowly building capacity in the budget to service a facility of this scale.

Last year Aaron Karmazyn, general manager of parks, recreation and culture, told council that the project is dependent on East Gwillimbury's population reaching 40,000. In conversations with the planning department, Karmazyn said the town is likely to reach that threshold around 2023 or 2024.

“This is an exciting time for us,” Ward 2 Coun. Joe Persechini said. “I’m really excited about the entire project.”