The City of Kitchener along with the governments of Canada and Ontario have announced joint funding for the construction of the RBJ Schlegel Aquatic Centre. Once completed, the new aquatic centre will provide greater access to recreational facilities and services for members of the Kitchener community to lead healthy, active lifestyles.
ReNew Canada states that the investments are broken down this way:
- Government of Canada is investing more than $9.7 million through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan.
- Government of Ontario is providing more than $8.1 million.
- City of Kitchener is contributing more than $6.5 million.
Kitchener is one of the fastest growing areas in Canada and this new aquatic centre will provide the residents of Kitchener a place to swim, socialize and play sports.
Project work for the aquatic centre will include the following:
- An eight-lane, 25 metre long pool
- Removable floor and ramp access
- Bleacher seating
- Community use multi-purpose rooms
- Public washrooms
- Food and beverage services
"Access to modern, sustainable recreational facilities is an important part of communities where people want to live work and raise their families. The federal government is investing almost $10 million to build a new, accessible RBJ Schlegel Aquatic Centre that can be enjoyed by Kitchener residents for years to come. As a swimmer and lover of aquatic sports, I am excited to see this project get underway."
Federal Minister of Infrastructure & Communities | Catherine McKenna
Per Global News, RBJ Schlegel Park just opened last year featuring soccer and cricket fields as well as playgrounds for the kids.
This year, the city expects to complete work on a historic farmhouse on the site that will house changeroom and washroom facilities as well as new outdoor court spaces.
LOOKING FOR MORE SPORT-ORIENTED PROJECTS IN ONTARIO?
An article in the Ontario Construction News reported that Kitchener Mayor, Berry Vrbanovic stated that building new community facilities will be important because the area is expected to grow significantly.
"The Waterloo region is the second fastest growing metropolitan area in Canada. Southwest Kitchener is the fastest growing area in our region and is expected to double in population by 2041."
Kitchener Mayor | Berry Vrbanovic
Over the next 10 years, the Government of Ontario is investing $320 million across the province, and the federal government is investing approximately $407 million under the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
