Designer chosen for Seaton recreation complex: the largest project in Pickering’s history

Pickering has picked a designer for the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library, the largest project in the community’s history and the first multi-purpose recreation complex built in Pickering in more than 40 years.

Pickering Council announced Tuesday it has awarded the design and associated costs required for the complex to renowned design and architecture company, Perkins & Will Canada, a global firm with a history of sustainable design and a portfolio including everything from student housing projects in Victoria, B.C. to renovations at the home of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina.

The planned state-of-the-art facility will be located at the re-aligned Whitevale Road (future Alexander Knox) and Sideline 24 (future Burkholder Drive) in the booming Seaton community, sitting on a total project site of 25 acres. The recreation complex will include an aquatics centre with a 25-metre pool and separate warm-water leisure pool, gymnasium, walking track, fitness centre and studios, full-service library, a two-pad arena, playground, splash pad and outdoor spaces.

“Selecting the right architect is a pivotal moment in seeing the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library come to fruition, as it brings visionary design and expertise to the forefront, transforming our shared dreams into tangible reality,” said Pickering Mayor Kevin Ashe. “Pickering is experiencing significant population growth, and with that, comes higher demand for growth-related infrastructure like community/recreation facilities, libraries, fire stations, roads and more.”

The final amenities and functional programs for the facility will be guided by the City’s Recreation & Parks – Ten Year Plan, the Pickering Public Library’s Strategic Plan, and most importantly, community consultation, which will be at the core of the design of this “transformative” new space, ensuring accessible and inclusive programs and services to support the diverse and evolving needs of residents into the future, Ashe added.

“Together, we will ensure that this new facility not only meets the practical needs of our community, but also enlivens the neighbourhood, becoming a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and communal pride.”

Seaton is a huge 7,000-acre block of land in north Pickering that has been in the planning stages since 2006. Most of the land was owned by the Province and five private landowner groups: Lebovic Homes, Mattamy Homes, DG Group, White Sun Developments and Seaton TFPM.

About three-quarters of the lands were approved by 2014 with infrastructure and servicing (sewer and water, roads etc.) getting underway in 2015. New home construction got underway in 2017 and the first residents moved in a year later.

The community is planned to eventually accommodate 70,000 new residents and 35,000 new jobs.

Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Seaton for project details, future updates and opportunities to participate.

Tentative Project Timeline: