Oshawa hoping to tap into $10 million provincial fund to help pay for Rotary Park project

Oshawa is hoping to recoup as much as $10 million of the Rotary Park Pool and Pool project through a provincial funding stream in place to invest in new, “transformative community sport and recreation infrastructure,” including assets that have reached the “end of their lifespan.”

Council agreed Monday to fire off an application to the provincial Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which could provide half the costs of the $25 million project, up to $10 million.

Oshawa Council chose the redevelopment of Rotary Park and pool – closed following the 2019 season due to structural deterioration – as the city’s centennial year Legacy Project and awarded the contract to Maystar General Contractors in January to create the new park at Gibb and Centre Street.

Half of the cost of the project was included in the 2024 budget with $13.78 million for the second phase included in the just released 2025 Mayor’s budget.

A successful application would result in money already budgeted for the project returned to a reserve fund dedicated to parks and related infrastructure.

The $200 million provincial fund was established to “revitalize existing recreation buildings as well as build new facilities,” with Stream 2 providing cash to communities who invest in “transformative” sport and recreation infrastructure.

Redeveloping Rotary Pool has been on the city’s wish list since the closure five years ago, especially after the public was asked in 2021 if they wanted a pool or a skating rink on the site and the overwhelming answer (80 per cent) from the nearly 1,000 responses was to have their beloved pool back, despite city staff’s preference for an outdoor rink instead.

The cost at the time for a new leisure pool, major splash pad and playground amenities was about $8 million.

A lot happened in the ensuing years, with post-pandemic supply chain issues and general inflation driving up the price of all infrastructure projects, with taxpayers now asked to pay triple the original estimate.

The Rotary Park Redevelopment project will include:

• new outdoor pool with four lanes, a zero-entry pool area and toddler pool
• destination playground
• splash pad
• parking lot
• pathways
• site amenities

Located south of Oshawa’s city centre, the park provides a connection to the Joseph Kolodzie Trail and Brick By Brick Park, and close access to City Hall and downtown destinations and businesses.

Construction on the project is already underway.

Rotary Pool in its pre-pandemic days