Community benefits
Our proposal for the Cowan Recreation Centre 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 new recreation centre will:
- meet current and future recreation needs of the community: will provide much-needed pool, indoor turf programming space and a quad gymnasium
- 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
The Cowan Recreation Centre will be one of the most environmentally 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 recreation centre include a geothermal heating and cooling system, as well as our largest array of solar panels. These features will reduce 43 tonnes of carbon annually and save us close to $190,000 in utility costs every year.
Visit our corporate sustainability page to learn about our commitment to climate action.
Budget and finances
The total budget for this project is $174 million, with $30 million allocated specifically for the construction of the gymnasium. Funding for the new recreation centre comes from previously announced grants by the federal and provincial governments, as well as development charge revenues. This means the facility’s construction will have no impact on municipal taxes.
The Government of Canada has invested $11.7 million to date, from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund and the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Fund.
The Government of Ontario has invested $18.1 million to date from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund and the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
These grants from other orders of government have been critical to the project's progress and ongoing success.
Read the staff report and consultants' report for more information.
Art
The City of Kitchener has commissioned renowned Indigenous artist Jackie Traverse to create a permanent mosaic for the aquatics centre.
Titled Gidinawendimin — Anishinaabe for “we are all related” — the 95-square-metre artwork will be made of more than 200,000 vitreous glass tiles and will feature four women interwoven with flowing lines of water. The piece celebrates the deep cultural and spiritual connection between women and water, and honours themes of kinship, resilience and connection.
Traverse, a member of Lake St. Martin First Nation, is known for her bold visual storytelling and celebration of Indigenous identity and matriarchal strength. Gidinawendimin was selected by a jury of community members and endorsed by the city’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.
Read the full news release for more information.
Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for interactive sculptures - deadline closes December 15, 2025
The City of Kitchener is inviting artists and artist teams to submit proposals for two interactive, sport-themed sculptures at the new indoor recreation centre.
We’re looking for bold public art that celebrates the spirit of sport and invites people to engage, touch, climb, and connect. Artists of all backgrounds and lived experiences are encouraged to apply.
Learn more about the EOI and how to apply: .
View the Evaluation Rubric
Sponsorship
Naming Rights opportunities exist for the following components of the facility:
- Overall Complex Naming
- Aquatic Centre
- Field House (Indoor Turf)
- Quad Gymnasium
- Walking Track
- Multi-Purpose Rooms
- Cricket Practice Nets
If you are interested in this Naming Rights opportunity or would like more information, please contact Judy Haber of Performance Sponsorship Group at (416) 399-4600.
