Cambridge Recreation Complex

Two Council-appointed task forces were formed to advance the concept. The first task force determined, through considerable public input, what components should be included in the final design of the facility. On May 16, 2016, Council approved a concept plan for the multiplex which included the following functional programming elements:

• Aquatic complex with a 25 metre – 10 lane pool, a warm water/therapeutic pool and a leisure pool with spectator seating

• Triple gymnasium

• Fitness track

• Multi-purpose rooms and display space

• 4 (four) NHL sized ice pads (design 4 pads, construct 2 pads with spectator seating in one arena pad [phase I] and 2 additional pads at a future date [phase II]) - ice facilities have subsequently been planned at other facilities within the City and are no longer contemplated at the Recreation Complex.

In May of 2016 a second task force was established to undertake a community consultation process related to site evaluation and to present information gathered through this process. The task force comprised of 2 members of Council; 2 members of staff; and 5 members of the public and a Chamber of Commerce representative.

In October 2017, Council directed staff to explore partnership opportunities for recreation facilities. Request for Expression of Interest (RFEOI 2017-56) was issued to request proposals from community organizations. In December 2017, Council directed staff to enter into discussions with Morguard Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). Discussions were to explore the potential to locate recreational facilities at the Cambridge Centre. Council resolved to cancel the RFEOI 2017-56 in February of 2019 and thank Morguard REIT for their participation in this process.

In February 2019, Council directed staff to review the viability of locating recreation facilities at city-owned lands in Southeast Galt and/or the improvement of existing facilities. The Southeast Galt lands were purchased in 2007 by the City for joint development to support a new City community centre, a new branch of Idea Exchange (the Cambridge Public Library), and new schools for each of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB). The city-owned lands encompass 32.5 acres. Provincial policy encourages the development of community hubs to co-locate services for the neighbourhood community while maximizing the use of land. When the surrounding neighbourhoods are fully developed, a forecasted population of up to 26,500 is estimated within 1.5 km of the site (about a 15 minute walking distance). The site also known as the Joint Use Campus will be accessible from Dundas Street South, Franklin Boulevard, Myers Road, the Regional South Boundary Road (under construction), and the proposed future Regional East Boundary Road.

In April and May of 2019 staff and Council provided information to the public and sought input on the project. Further, Council invited sports user groups and residents to provide their input regarding the project at two delegation nights on Monday May 13 and Tuesday May 14, 2019.

On June 18, 2019, Council decided to move ahead with a strategy to:

• Construct a recreation complex at the city-owned lands in South Cambridge 
• Expand and improve the Preston Memorial Auditorium to make it a twin pad facility
• Plan for decommissioning of John Dolson Centre Pool, Karl Homuth Arena, Duncan McIntosh Arena and Dickson Arena as new or improved facilities become operational
• Review a proposal from Buckingham Sports Properties about expanding the Cambridge Sports Park to be a four-pad facility
• Work with municipal and other groups in the Region to explore opportunities for a 50 m pool within the Region of Waterloo

In 2020, City staff initiated a Feasibility Study with the WRDSB, WCDSB, and Idea Exchange (Cambridge Public Library) to explore opportunities to share amenities or facilities on the Joint Use Campus (city-owned lands in South Cambridge). Council approved the Feasibility Study on February 18, 2021 and directed staff to proceed with design of the one campus/two buildings model.

In May 2022, in response to construction market price volatility, Council directed staff to proceed with 2 designs of graduated value. Detailed design and cost estimates will be completed throughout the facility design process to remain on budget.

The City remains focused on ensuring an affordable solution that is in the best interest of taxpayers, sports and recreation groups, youth, and the community.