NEW--- Cambridge Recreation Complex

The Cambridge Recreation Complex is taking shape at 655 Wesley Boulevard and will soon become a vibrant new destination for recreation, wellness, learning and community connection in the city’s growing southeast area.

Now under construction, this modern community hub is designed to bring people of all ages and abilities together in one welcoming, accessible space. Once complete, the facility will include a 10-lane, 25-metre pool, a warm-water leisure pool, three FIBA gymnasiums, an indoor running and walking track, fitness space, multi-purpose rooms, concession space, park amenities, outdoor pickleball courts and a new Cambridge Public Library branch.

The complex will be part of a 32.5-acre joint-use campus created through a partnership between the City of Cambridge, Waterloo Catholic District School Board, Waterloo Region District School Board and Cambridge Public Library. The campus brings together the recreation complex and library with a separate shared school facility for Giinawind Public School, Guardian Angels Catholic Elementary School and YWCA Cambridge Greengate Child Care centre. With select shared amenities, outdoor spaces and a new community park, the site is designed to make the most of public spaces and create a welcoming destination for the neighbourhood.

Located close to the growing South Point residential development, the campus will create new opportunities for residents to swim, play, train, gather, learn and connect close to home.

Whether visitors are coming for a swim, a workout, a basketball game, a library program, a walk on the track or time with family and friends, the Cambridge Recreation Complex will offer something for everyone.

The Cambridge Recreation Complex is expected to open in early 2027.

Part-Time Opportunities at the Rec Complex

Are you interested in working at the Recreation Complex?

We will be hiring for many part-time positions in everything from aquatics and fitness programming to reception and facility management. Sign up for our email list to receive updates as part-time jobs are posted.

Sign up for job posting updates

Project Updates

Project timeline showing six phases: facility planning, detailed design, project tendering, facility construction, testing, training and setup, and facility opening. A highlighted marker indicates the project is currently in the facility construction phase.

Construction Progress to Date

As of August 2026:

  • Facility structure and foundation are built
  • Exterior brickwork is underway
  • Mechanical and electrical systems are underway
  • Pool forms are in place and leak tests have been completed
  • Tiling and drywall are underway
Upcoming Work

In the coming weeks, we will begin:

  • Exterior paving and landscaping
  • Preparing the pools for tiling
Facility Renderings
Architectural rendering of the proposed Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library, showing the building footprint, surrounding trails and green space, parking areas, sports courts, and nearby neighbourhood streets from an aerial perspective.
Colour-coded ground floor plan of the proposed Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library, showing the gymnasium, aquatic hall with lap and leisure pools, atrium, concession area, multipurpose space, library idea exchange, change rooms, and building entrances.
Colour-coded second floor plan of the proposed Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library, showing an indoor running and walking track, open fitness area, fitness studio, washrooms, and service spaces overlooking the gymnasium below.
Architectural rendering of the recreation complex atrium showing tiered seating, tables and gathering spaces, access ramps, stairs, an elevator, gymnasium entrance, concession area, library idea exchange, and connections to outdoor landscaped spaces.
Interior rendering of the lower atrium featuring stepped community seating, café-style tables, open circulation areas, natural wood finishes, a central stairway, and views into adjacent recreation and library spaces.
Interior rendering of the concession and atrium area showing a café servery, flexible seating, accessible circulation routes, large windows overlooking outdoor green space, and a bright community gathering area with wood and concrete finishes.
Interior rendering of the recreation complex atrium viewed from the reception area, showing open circulation space, seating areas, stair access to upper levels, natural wood finishes, and connections to recreation, library, and gathering spaces.
Interior rendering of the aquatic centre featuring a 10-lane lap pool, pool deck seating, spectator viewing areas, accessibility features, and high ceilings with wood and acoustic finishes.
Interior rendering of the aquatic centre leisure pool showing shallow water play areas, family-oriented swimming space, poolside seating, accessible pool entry, and views into adjacent community gathering areas.
Interior rendering of the aquatic centre showing the leisure pool, accessible pool entry ramp, pool deck seating, and views into the universal change rooms with barrier-free access between pool and change facilities.
Interior rendering of the Cambridge Public Library space featuring bookshelves, reading and study areas, flexible seating, natural wood finishes, and open views toward the central atrium.
Interior rendering of the library children's area showing flexible seating, family-friendly reading and activity spaces, large windows with views outdoors, and open gathering areas designed for learning and play.
Interior rendering of the recreation complex gymnasium featuring multiple basketball courts, spectator seating, flexible sports space, and an elevated indoor running and walking track overlooking the courts.
Interior rendering of the second-floor fitness area showing an indoor running and walking track, open fitness space for exercise and stretching, and views overlooking the gymnasium below.
Exterior rendering of the recreation complex courtyard showing landscaped gathering spaces, outdoor seating, pedestrian pathways, and large windows providing views into the concession and atrium areas.
Exterior rendering of the Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library showing a landscaped courtyard with walking paths, gardens, mature trees, open lawn space, and large windows connecting indoor community spaces to the outdoors.
Exterior rendering of the northern entrance to the Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library, featuring landscaped pathways, outdoor seating and gathering areas, tree-lined public spaces, and the main building entrance.
Exterior rendering of the gymnasium façade viewed from Wesley Boulevard, showing the building’s brick exterior, landscaped gardens, pedestrian pathways, and integrated Cambridge signage along the ground floor elevation.
Exterior rendering of the Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library gymnasium viewed from the southwest, showing the building’s brick façade, large windows, integrated architectural screening, landscaped gardens, and pedestrian areas in a winter setting.
Site plan of the proposed Cambridge Recreation Complex and Library showing the building footprint, parking areas, trails, reading garden, outdoor recreation amenities, pickleball and basketball courts, landscaped green space, and the adjacent proposed school site.
Aerial rendering of the recreation complex outdoor sports area featuring pickleball courts and a basketball court, connected by walking paths and surrounded by trees, landscaped green space, and park amenities.
Rendering: Changeroom view from pool side
Rendering: Changeroom view from public side
Rendering: Changeroom blinds demonstration
Rendering: Public washroom view from lobby
Rendering: Public washroom view from inside
Construction Photos
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in March 2026, showing work underway inside the gymnasium with exposed structural elements, interior construction activity, and a view toward the future aquatics area.
March 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in March 2026, showing a project representative speaking with construction workers during a site tour within the facility as construction activities continue.
March 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in March 2026, showing work underway within the future aquatics centre, including pool basins, structural elements, and ongoing interior construction activities.
March 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in June 2026, showing the exterior of the building as viewed from the future reading garden, with the library and concession areas visible through large windows overlooking the landscaped outdoor space.
June 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in June 2026, showing the gymnasium from the second-floor indoor walking track, with the court area below and interior construction work continuing throughout the space.
June 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in June 2026, showing the central atrium and future community seating area, with open gathering spaces and views toward the library as interior construction continues.
June 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in June 2026, showing the atrium and future community gathering space, looking toward the library and highlighting the connection between recreation and library areas within the facility.
June 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in June 2026, showing exposed ceiling systems, structural elements, ductwork, lighting infrastructure, and ongoing interior construction within the facility.
June 2026
Spring 2026 Construction Update
Winter 2025 Construction Update
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, viewed from the future reading garden. The exterior of the building features light-coloured brick cladding, large ground-floor windows, and an overhanging structure above the future concession and outdoor seating area. Construction equipment, building materials, and active site work are visible in the foreground.
July 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, showing the exterior of the facility looking toward the future northern park entrance. The image features light-coloured brick cladding, vertical window openings, and distinctive roof forms above, with construction materials, equipment, and unfinished site grading visible in the foreground.
July 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, viewed from the future reading garden. The exterior of the building features light-coloured brick cladding, large ground-floor windows, and an overhanging structure above the future concession and outdoor seating area. Construction equipment, building materials, and active site work are visible in the foreground.
July 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, showing the future Cambridge Public Library space looking toward the central atrium. The image features a large curved interior wall, exposed steel framing and ceiling systems, construction materials, equipment, and workers within an unfinished open area that will connect the library to the broader facility.
July 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, looking down from the future second-floor running track into the gymnasium below. The image shows the future court space under construction, with the elevated walking and running track visible around the perimeter, alongside construction materials, equipment, and ongoing interior work.
July 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, showing the future second-floor running track and fitness area overlooking the gymnasium below. The unfinished space includes perimeter guardrails, exposed mechanical and electrical systems, drywall installation, and construction materials as interior work continues.
July 2026
Construction progress photo of the Cambridge Recreation Complex in July 2026, showing the future leisure pool area under construction with the pool basin covered for ongoing work. The view looks from the aquatics area toward the central atrium and future Cambridge Public Library space, with exposed structural elements, temporary safety barriers, construction materials, and workers visible in the distance.
July 2026

Funders and Sponsors

Thank you to our generous funders and sponsors for contributing to this milestone project:

Project Background

In 2014, the City completed a Recreational Facilities Master Plan recommending a large, multi-purpose sport and recreation facility to meet current and future community needs.

Two Council-appointed task forces helped shape the vision:

The first task force gathered extensive public input to determine the facility’s main components.
In May 2016, Council approved a concept including:

  • Aquatic centre with a 25 m, 10‑lane pool, warm-water/therapeutic pool, leisure pool, and spectator seating
  • Triple gymnasium
  • Walking track
  • Multi-purpose rooms and display space
  • Four NHL-sized ice pads (later removed, as ice facilities were planned elsewhere)

The second task force led a community consultation and site evaluation process, with members from Council, staff, the public, and the Chamber of Commerce.

In 2017, Council directed staff to explore partnerships for recreation facilities, issuing a Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI 2017-56). Council began discussions with Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) regarding potential facilities at Cambridge Centre, but ended the RFEOI process in February 2019.

In 2019, Council refocused planning on City-owned lands in southeast Galt on 2.5 acres purchased in 2007 for a joint community campus including:

  • A new recreation complex
  • A new Cambridge Public Library branch
  • New WRDSB and WCDSB schools

This “Joint Use Campus” aligns with provincial policy encouraging community hubs. Once surrounding neighbourhoods are fully developed, up to 26,500 residents are expected to live within 1.5 km of the site.

Public input was collected through open houses and delegation nights in May 2019.

Council approved a strategy to:

  • Build a new recreation complex on the southeast Galt lands
  • Expand Preston Memorial Auditorium into a twin-pad facility
  • Plan for the future decommissioning of John Dolson Centre Pool, Karl Homuth Arena, Duncan McIntosh Arena, and Dickson Arena as new facilities open
  • Review a proposal to expand Cambridge Sports Park to four ice pads
  • Explore opportunities for a regional 50 m pool within the Region of Waterloo

In 2020, the City began a joint feasibility study with WRDSB, WCDSB, and Cambridge Public Library to explore shared facilities on the Joint Use Campus. Council approved the study in February 2021 and endorsed the joint campus design approach.

In May 2022, in response to construction market volatility, Council directed staff to prepare two design options of varying scope. Detailed design and costing will continue throughout the project to ensure the City stays within budget. The City remains committed to delivering an affordable, accessible, and community-focused recreation complex that supports residents, sports groups, youth and future growth. 

Frequently asked questions

Change areas will feature a mix of private and common spaces and will be open to use by everyone.

Lockable changerooms offer comfort and privacy for users to change their clothes, while shared locker and rinse areas will improving use for families, groups, and persons requiring assistance, ensuring a welcoming and accessible environment.

Just as they would in the rest of the facility, patrons will be required to be fully clothed or in a swimsuit when in shared spaces, including locker areas. Nudity will not be permitted.

Much like change areas, washrooms at the Recreation Complex will feature a mix of private and common spaces and will be open to everyone. Individual, lockable stalls offer privacy for users, while sinks, mirrors and hand dryers will be in a common space for all to share.

While locker areas and handwash stations will be in common spaces, individual change rooms and washroom stalls will offer full privacy, and users are required to be fully clothed in any shared spaces.

These private spaces have been designed with a higher standard of privacy than found in most gender-designated washrooms and change rooms to help achieve comfort, while creating openness in adjacent areas to promote safety and visibility. The change room walls extend from the floor, up to 8 feet high.

The change room is designed with flexibility to allow half of the space to be dedicated to a specific group during special events or programs.

Yes! Four dedicated change rooms will accommodate people with limited mobility, including two barrier free change rooms and two change rooms.