Uxbridge is set to transform community recreation with the construction of a new aquatic centre, backed by more than $7.7 million in funding from Ontario’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). This investment replaces North Durham’s only indoor pool with a modern, multi-use facility designed to serve residents of all ages while supporting active, healthy lifestyles.
The new aquatic centre is envisioned as a year-round hub for health, recreation, and community engagement. Its design incorporates multiple features to meet the needs of swimmers, athletes, and families:
Eight-lane, 25-metre pool for swimming lessons, fitness programs, and competitive training
10-by-15-metre therapy and teaching pool for rehabilitation and instructional programs
Multi-sport gymnasium space for basketball, pickleball, and fitness classes
These additions ensure that the centre can support diverse activities — from therapy sessions and youth programming to competitive swim meets and adult fitness leagues.
Local leaders hailed the project as one of the most significant in Uxbridge’s history. Mayor Dave Barton described it as a milestone that will strengthen both community ties and regional identity. Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge, highlighted the provincial government’s commitment, calling the funding a “significant investment” that replaces an aging cornerstone facility with one built for future generations.
GTA Today reports that the Uxbridge Swim Club also emphasized the centre’s importance, noting that it will provide a high-quality training space for swimmers while encouraging community participation across all ages. By replacing outdated infrastructure, the town ensures access to modern facilities for decades to come.
The project team has focused on creating a facility that balances modern design, accessibility, and sustainability. Key features include:
Advanced HVAC and mechanical systems to maintain safe, comfortable environments for aquatic and fitness users
Durable pool systems designed to handle competitive training, frequent lessons, and high-volume recreational use
Energy-efficient lighting and building envelope systems to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact
Barrier-free accessibility for seniors, families, and individuals with mobility challenges
This emphasis on sustainable design ensures that the aquatic centre will not only serve current residents but also provide long-term value by minimizing maintenance and energy expenses.
Bringing the aquatic centre to life will require collaboration across many construction trades, creating valuable job opportunities in the process. Key roles will include:
General Contractors and Project Managers to coordinate timelines and budgets
Concrete and Structural Steel Workers for foundations, framing, and pool construction
Mechanical and HVAC Technicians to install complex heating, cooling, and air handling systems essential for pool facilities
Plumbers and Pipefitters to manage water distribution, drainage, and pool filtration systems
Electricians for lighting, control systems, and safety installations
Finish Trades (Painters, Flooring Installers, and Millworkers) to complete interior spaces, gymnasium surfaces, and public areas
Landscapers to design outdoor approaches and integrate the centre into its surroundings
The $7.7 million allocated for Uxbridge comes from Ontario’s $200 million CSRIF program, which focuses on revitalizing local recreation infrastructure, creating jobs, and boosting the province’s economy. Sport and recreation contribute more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s GDP, with projects like Uxbridge’s aquatic centre helping sustain tens of thousands of jobs in design, construction, and facility management.
The CSRIF is part of a much broader $200 billion provincial infrastructure strategy that also invests in hospitals, highways, transit, and schools. Recreation facilities, though often smaller in scale, play a vital role in building stronger, healthier communities.
Once complete, the aquatic centre will solidify Uxbridge’s role as a regional hub for sport and recreation in northern Durham. The facility will be a welcoming space for families, youth, seniors, and athletes, offering opportunities for fitness, competition, therapy, and community connection.
By combining modern design, sustainable systems, and strong community support, Uxbridge’s new aquatic centre represents more than just a building. It is a cornerstone investment in health, wellness, and quality of life for generations to come.