In a bold stride toward enriching community life and fostering active recreation, Whitby has announced that it, together with two complementary initiatives, will now spearhead a large-scale collaboration to elevate the town’s sporting and recreational landscape.
This joint endeavor centres around the highly anticipated Whitby Sports Complex, a state-of-the-art, eco-conscious facility taking shape on the west side of Baldwin Street South, just south of Highway 407. The expansive 160,000-square-foot complex, designed by Perkins + Will and built by Ledcor, is on track for completion by late 2025. Highlights include a 25-metre, 10-lane competition pool, a leisure pool, twin ice pads, a double gymnasium with an indoor walking track, and flexible spaces for community and cultural programming .
But that’s not all. The project is being woven together with two other significant efforts to deliver far more than bricks and mortar:
1. A Sustainable Sports Legacy – The Whitby Sports Complex is poised to become the first Canadian facility of its kind to achieve both LEED Gold and Zero-Carbon Building certification upon opening . This underscores the Town’s deep commitment to sustainability, with emphasis on eliminating fossil fuel use for heating, utilizing renewable energy, and minimizing refrigerants with high global warming potential .
2. Community Recreation Network Expansion – Surrounding the complex, a thoughtfully designed 13-acre outdoor park is already under development. This recreational oasis will feature lit courts for pickleball, tennis, basketball, a multipurpose turf field, a playground, skatepark, and pump track—ensuring residents across age groups and abilities will find something designed just for them .
Recent construction updates highlight notable momentum. As of July, the pool’s structural shell is nearly complete, with exterior walls—featuring sleek metal panelling, glass, and stone—now rising into view. Inside, drywall, tiling, painting, and pool system installations are actively underway . Earlier in April, crews poured concrete for one of the two planned ice pads, marking a major milestone in the project timeline .
The collaboration between Whitby and its two associated projects—sustainability infrastructure and outdoor recreation planning—signals an ambitious and holistic approach to urban planning and community wellness. By uniting these elements, the Town is preparing to offer residents a facility that not only promotes physical activity and social connection, but also champions environmental responsibility, inclusivity, and future-ready community development.
As the complex inches closer to completion, local groups and stakeholders are gearing up for the excitement ahead—from swim meets and hockey games to community fairs and cultural events. With all pieces now coming together, Whitby is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of modern, sustainable recreation.
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