$10 Million Provincial Grant & Construction Milestone for New Recreation Complex

Today, the Province of Ontario announced that the City of Kitchener will receive $10 million to complete a multi-purpose quad-gymnasium as part of the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex. This funding is part of Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic and members of City Council welcomed the Honourable Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport along with local members the Honourable Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga and Jess Dixon, MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler for the announcement at the site, part of RBJ Schlegel Park in southwest Kitchener.

“I’m proud that our government’s investment will support this new multi-purpose gymnasium, as part of our plan to protect jobs, strengthen the community and help build a better Ontario,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By investing in critical infrastructure and creating opportunities for sport at every level, we’re enhancing the lives of people here in Kitchener, while driving economic growth and creating a stronger, more self-reliant future for our province.”

"We are thrilled to announce the provincial government's generous funding towards the development of a new multi-purpose quad-gymnasium at the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “This first-of-its-kind facility for our community will not only serve as a hub for sports and recreation - it’s also expected to attract major tournaments that bring new energy and dollars into our local economy.”

Officials also celebrated a major milestone in the construction of its new indoor recreation complex with a ceremonial beam signing at the project site. Provincial officials, City Council and the project team gathered to sign the final structural beam before it was placed, symbolizing progress and community investment in this landmark project.

This marks the second investment in the recreation complex from the Province of Ontario. The province supported the initial phase of the complex with $8.1 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.

“As one of the fastest-growing communities in the province, our residents in Kitchener need high-quality sports and recreation facilities,” said Minister of Natural Resources and MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga, the Honourable Mike Harris. “We’re building Kitchener together and protecting Ontario jobs and the economy by investing in projects like the Kitchener Indoor Recreation Complex.”

Once complete, the new 222,000-square-foot recreation complex will include an aquatic centre with lap pool and leisure pool, a four-turf field house, a quad gymnasium, two cricket practice nets, an elevated walking track, and multipurpose rooms - serving residents of all ages and abilities. The project remains on track for completion in late summer 2026.

The beam signing offered a unique opportunity to celebrate the significant collaboration between the Province, City, design and construction teams, and local partners.

For more information about the project, visit: www.kitchener.ca/kirc.

For more information:
Shannon Weber
Chief of Staff | Office of the Mayor and Council

City of Kitchener
519-904-5776
Shannon.Weber@kitchener.ca