The Ontario government is investing $10 million to support the construction of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre in Clarington, a project designed to transform the community’s access to sport and recreation facilities. Part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), this development will bring new opportunities for healthy, active living and support thousands of residents each year.
A Major Investment in Community Infrastructure
The $10 million investment is a key step in making the $105 million-plus recreation centre a reality. Located on the former grounds of the Bowmanville Indoor Soccer Centre on Baseline Road, the new facility will serve as a year-round hub for recreation, competition, and community engagement. With a mix of indoor and outdoor amenities, the centre is expected to accommodate more than 50,000 users annually.
“Our government is proud to support projects that deliver better services for people, while creating more opportunities for children, families and seniors to stay active. The transformation of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre into a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility will protect local jobs and serve as a catalyst for economic growth by attracting major sporting events to the region, helping build a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
Minister of Sport | Neil Lumsden
Construction Features and Design Highlights
Ontario Newsroom reports that the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre has been carefully planned to meet both current and future needs. Features include:
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FIBA-standard double gymnasium – adaptable for basketball, volleyball, tennis, and pickleball.
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25-metre lap pool and therapeutic tank – for swimming lessons, rehabilitation programs, and competitive training.
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FIFA-sized indoor turf field – complete with an indoor walking track for year-round use.
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Five multi-purpose spaces – for fitness, wellness classes, and community programs.
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850-metre refrigerated outdoor skating trail – one of the longest in Ontario, designed to host year-round events such as family skates in winter and outdoor markets in summer.
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Future Phase 2 Aquatic Centre – to meet growing demand from Clarington’s swim community.
The project also ensures the current lacrosse bowl remains on site, preserving local sports heritage while creating new opportunities for growth.
Jobs, Economy, and Sport Tourism
Construction of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre is projected to create hundreds of jobs while also unlocking long-term economic benefits. With its ability to host major tournaments and events, the facility is expected to play a key role in Clarington’s sport tourism strategy. This includes attracting regional competitions in basketball, swimming, and soccer, and positioning Bowmanville as a destination for families and athletes from across Ontario.
Sport and recreation contribute more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs provincewide. With this facility, Clarington is poised to capture a share of this growing sector.
Community Impact
Local leaders, including Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering–Uxbridge, emphasized how the project will replace North Durham’s only indoor pool with a modern, accessible facility that ensures opportunities for all ages and abilities. The Uxbridge Swim Club also highlighted the project’s importance in supporting both community-level participation and high-performance training.
Trades and Workforce Involvement
The construction of such a complex facility requires a wide range of skilled trades and professionals, including:
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General contractors and construction managers for overall coordination.
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Structural engineers and concrete workers for foundations and framing.
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HVAC and mechanical specialists to build advanced ventilation and aquatic systems.
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Plumbing and piping experts for pools, therapy tanks, and washroom facilities.
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Electricians and lighting installers for both indoor and outdoor amenities.
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Landscape architects and grounds crews for the skating trail and outdoor spaces.
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Aquatic facility specialists for pool equipment and water treatment systems.
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Finishing trades including carpenters, painters, and flooring installers to complete the multi-purpose rooms and gyms.
Looking Ahead
While the approved budget was originally set at $105 million, rising costs for the aquatic components have pushed projections higher by more than $16 million. Even with these challenges, contracts have been awarded and ground was broken on May 1. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is planned for September, marking a milestone in the project’s progress.
Once complete, the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre will stand as a symbol of community investment, providing a state-of-the-art venue for health, sport, and recreation while creating lasting economic and social benefits for Clarington and beyond.
