Ontario Investing $19.5 Million to Build New Recreation Complex in Cambridge
Joint Media Release
The Ontario government is investing $19.5 million to protect jobs and support the construction of a new multi-purpose recreation complex in the City of Cambridge. This project is part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
“Our government is making major investments to support projects that deliver better services for communities while creating more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The new Cambridge Recreation Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility that will boost the local economy by hosting tournaments, attracting visitors and serving as a community hub for generations to come.”
The government’s investment in the Cambridge Recreation Complex will support the development of a 112,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility. The complex will feature an aquatics centre with a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a warm water leisure and therapy pool, along with three FIBA-standard gyms, an indoor walking and running track, fitness areas, multi-purpose rooms, a concession area and a public library. Designed for both the public and competitions, the complex will increase access to sport and recreation for residents in a rapidly growing region.
In addition, the province is investing:
- $1 million for the City of Cambridge to renovate and expand the 52-year-old Cambridge Preston Arena, including accessibility upgrades, adding a second ice pad to support tournament play and creating new community spaces for non-ice programming.
- $1 million for the Township of North Dumfries to rehabilitate the Ayr Community Centre to prolong the life of the facility and replace the roof, as well as install new eavestroughs and downspouts.
“I’m pleased to see our government investing in vital recreational infrastructure in both North Dumfries and Cambridge,” said Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge. “These upgrades to the Ayr Community Centre and Cambridge Preston Arena will ensure our communities continue to have safe, modern spaces to gather, stay active, and build strong connections. I am also very excited to follow the construction and completion of the new Cambridge Recreation Complex.”
“We are deeply grateful for this funding from the Ontario government and the Ministry of Sport towards the Preston Memorial Auditorium expansion and the new Recreation Complex, as it represents a meaningful investment in Cambridge and recognizes these spaces as more than just a place to play,” said Jan Liggett, Mayor of Cambridge. “These funds will help to ensure our residents continue to stay active, connected, and build lifelong skills. The City has built outstanding facilities that will provide valuable programs and opportunities that will strengthen the fabric of our city for future generations to come. We look forward to opening the doors of these buildings for the public to enjoy. This investment also reflects a meaningful return on our residents’ tax dollars — delivering lasting value through inclusive, high-quality spaces that serve the entire community.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
Quick Facts
- The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program. It supports municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.
- Each year, Ontario invests $32 million in community recreation programs to help achieve active, healthy communities across the province, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
- Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion to Ontario’s economy every year, creating tens of thousands of meaningful and good-paying jobs in every corner of the province.
Quotes
"This is a major, game-changing investment that will deliver long-term benefits for our region. By expanding access to sport and recreation, these projects will help support our growing population, while ensuring that our communities have access to vital public spaces that can keep people of all ages active and healthy for generations to come."
- Jess Dixon
MPP for Kitchener South–Hespeler
"I’m thrilled to see this investment in Cambridge. Recreation complexes are community hubs where families connect, kids grow, and seniors stay active. Projects like this will strengthen our region for years to come."
- Mike Harris
MPP for Kitchener–Conestoga
"Community facilities, such as the Ayr Community Centre (ACC), represent key destinations for our residents as a place for leisure, cultural, recreation and socialization pursuits and activities. The partnership with the Province of Ontario to assist with the exterior rehabilitation of this building is vital as we plan for the next 30 years of being able to provide important community services and programs from the ACC. This investment means we can continue to plan for the future to meet the needs of our Community. "
- Sue Foxton
Mayor for the Township of North Dumfries
