We plan to build a new multi-purpose indoor recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park. Learn about this project below.
On this page:
- About the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex (KIRC)
- Public engagement
- Project updates
- Amenities
- Community benefits
- Sustainability
- Budget and finances
- Photo and video renderings
About the Kitchener indoor recreation complex
In 2019, as a part of our Leisure Facilities Master Plan, Kitchener city council approved the construction of a new indoor pool and indoor turf facility, which were identified as the top two recreation priorities based on community needs. The proposed Kitchener indoor recreation complex, to be built at RBJ Schlegel Park, will bring those needs, as well as other amenities, to our community.
Staff brought a staff report and consultants' report to council outlining the target cost and design for the Kitchener indoor recreation complex which was unanimously supported by city council and ratified on April 8, 2024. Construction on the recreation complex will begin in May 2024, and the facility is scheduled to open in the summer of 2026.
Public engagement
From 2019 to 2022, we conducted substantial public and stakeholder engagement through interviews, workshops, feedback forms, focus groups and online surveys with sports groups and members of the public. All of the information collected helped identify community recreation priorities, which in turn informed the business case for the design and build of the Kitchener indoor recreation complex.
As things move forward with the construction of the Kitchener indoor recreation complex, there will be more public engagement opportunities focused on programming needs and some of the more detailed design options that the project team may require input on. This engagement is expected to be launched starting the summer/fall of 2024 and will continue for many months.
Subscribe to this page to get an email when engagement opportunities are available.
Project updates
We will share project updates below.
May 2024
On May 31, 2024, we hosted a groundbreaking event to launch the start of construction of the new Kitchener indoor recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park. Construction of the facility started in June 2024, and is expected to open in the summer of 2026.
Check out the photo gallery of the groundbreaking event below.
Amenities
The facility, which will become Kitchener’s premier indoor recreation destination, will include the following amenities, all of which are planned and designed to support a greater diversity of sports and physical activities in the community:
- a FIFA-sized indoor turf fieldhouse divided into four individual fields that can be used for soccer, cricket, lacrosse and more
- an indoor pool area that includes both a leisure pool and a lane pool
- viewing galleries for the pool area
- an indoor walking track around the perimeter of the indoor turf facility
- an indoor cricket batting cage
- multipurpose rooms for community events, parties and other rentals
The proposed designs for the Kitchener indoor recreation complex also include room for a gymnasium addition in the future.
The floor plan below shows the proposed facility, as well as the site for the future gymnasium.
Community benefits
Our proposal for the Kitchener indoor recreation complex is to create a facility that will serve as Kitchener’s premier recreation destination while also being an inclusive and welcoming space for all community members.
By design, the complex will:
- meet current and future recreation needs of the community: will provide much-needed pool and indoor turf programming space, with plans to expand the facility with an additional gym in the future
- support the recreation needs of equity-deserving residents: will offer a greater diversity of recreation options to residents that are affordable and tailored to specific populations
- support recreation as a family experience: will prioritize the experience of parents and family members in the design of spectator and viewing areas
- support the sustainability goals for a greener city: we will significantly reduce the carbon footprint of this facility by design and through operation
Sustainability
If approved, the Kitchener indoor recreation complex will be our first net-zero carbon building and one of the most sustainable recreation facilities in Canada. The project is pursuing certification under the Canada Green Building Council Zero Carbon Building Standard v3 – Design (ZCB – Design), which is the highest level of certification for zero carbon building standards in Canada.
The plans for the complex include a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as our largest array of solar panels. These features will reduce 22 tonnes of carbon annually and save us close to $100,000 in utility costs every year.
Visit our corporate sustainability page to learn about our commitment to climate action.
Budget and finances
If approved by Council, the total budget for this project is $144 million. Construction of the new recreation facility will be funded through a previously announced grant from the federal and provincial governments, as well as development charge revenues, meaning the construction of this facility will have no impact on municipal taxes.
In addition, the planned sustainability features will save us close to $100,000 in utility costs every year.
Read the staff report and consultants' report for more information.
Budget overview
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Construction costs | $124M |
| Contingencies | $6.6M |
| Soft costs/Owner costs | $10.5M |
| HST (1.76%) | $2.5M |
| Total | $144M |
Costs have been rounded.
Photo and video renderings
See inside the proposed facility with these digital renderings:
Turf fieldhouse – lower floor
Watch this video to see a rendering of the main entrance, lobby and lower floor of the turf fieldhouse:
Pool
Watch this video to see a rendering of 25m lane pool and leisure/programming pool:
Photo gallery
The photo gallery below includes renderings of the facility: