Federal, provincial, municipal governments invest $53M into King rec centre

Facility will include twin ice pads, indoor pool, gym

Yorkregion.com
May 28, 2021
Laura Broadly

A new recreation centre for King Township just got a big funding boost from all levels of government.

The construction of a new recreation centre in King is going to cost $53 million to build.

The Government of Canada is pitching in $21.1 million and the provincial government is investing $17.6 million while the municipality is kicking in $14.1 million to the project.

“By building a new modern recreational centre in King, we are providing community members a place to be able to enjoy sports, maintain active lifestyles and connect with each other all year-round. This important investment in King will provide a critical community hub that will make King an even better place to live and raise a family, and improve our quality of life,” Deb Schulte, MP for King-Vaughan, said.

The centre, which will be built on the Seneca College campus, will include twin ice pad surfaces, an indoor year-round pool and track, gym equipment and multipurpose fitness studio space. A multi-use field house with operable doors to surrounding amenities, including baseball and soccer fields, is also included in the design.

“I fought hard to ensure our community receives this modern, green, and urgently needed community and recreational facility for which King families have advocated for over a decade,” said Stephen Lecce, MPP for King-Vaughan. “I am proud to have delivered the single largest investment in King history and will continue to partner with all levels of government to benefit our community today and well into the future.”

The project will include energy efficient measures for the facility such as natural ventilation, reclaiming waste heat from the refrigeration system and an open loop geothermal heat exchange.

“The project will be a benefit to all ages and demographics in the community featuring a double pad arena, lap and leisure pool(s), a multipurpose athletic space and other community amenities. It increases our capacity for ice users and introduces King’s first indoor aquatics space allowing access year-round. The multipurpose athletic spaces will offer something for everyone. Recreation is essential not only to the health of individuals, but also the health of the community as a whole. This amazing centre will be the centrepiece in building a healthy community for years to come,” said Steve Pellegrini, King Township mayor.