Georgina plows ahead with ‘beautiful building’, the new Multi-use Recreation Complex in Keswick

MURC, with pool, gym, library and track is expected to be complete by 2023

Yorkregion.com
July 6, 2021
Amanda Persico

After many years of planning, the town is moving forward with one of the largest projects in its history -- the Multi-use Recreation Complex (MURC).

The future destination will be home to a swimming pool, gym, track and discovery library, and construction is set to be complete by 2023.

“We are moving forward with the important project that is essential for our growing community,” Mayor Margaret Quirk said.

“The MURC will offer affordable, quality recreation and library services to our current residents as well as the growth that is coming to our community in the next few years.”

And it is to be paid for through future development, she added.

Here’s what you need to know about the MURC:

Location:
The MURC is to be located on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road.

What amenities are included at the MURC?
The new community centre will include space for the whole family, including: a six-lane, 25-metre pool; a leisure and therapy pool; a double gymnasium with an upper-level walking track; a discovery library with a focus on flexible, maker spaces and the latest technology; and common spaces including meeting rooms, multi-purpose rooms and kitchens to offer a wide range of recreational programming.

The project is designed to be built within the highest energy efficiency and environmental design.

Why is the MURC being built in Keswick?

Not only is Keswick home to the largest section of the town’s population, but it is also slated to see the most growth and settlement of new residents.

Currently, Keswick makes up about 61 per cent of the town’s population with about 30,000 residents. Between 2006 and 2019, Keswick accounted for about 96 per cent of Georgina’s population growth and that’s only going to grow with about 66 per cent of future growth settling in the area.

When is construction expected?
Construction is expected to start in September 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in two years and open for use in the fall of 2023. Initially, construction was supposed to be complete by July 2021.

How much will the new facility cost?
MURC comes with a $50.2-million price tag. Anticipated operating costs amount to about $2 million annually. Of the $50.2 million, $240,000 will be funded through the town’s corporate capital reserve fund.

How is it being paid for?
Due to legislative changes at the provincial level, the MURC will be 100 per cent funded through development charges -- meaning no special tax levy.

The project will be funded through assessment growth, which is the new property taxes collected from new development.

What happened to the YMCA proposal?
In 2019, town council voted against partnering with the YMCA. Part of the deal would have seen the town pay for two-thirds of the facility, while the YMCA would own the land and the facility.

The proposal also called for the YMCA to pay for operating costs, except for programming that didn’t cater to its membership, including senior and youth programming and costs for the library.

For more information, visit georgina.ca/BuildingGeorgina.