Whitby breaks ground on new sports complex

Construction has officially begun on Whibty’s long-in-the works Sports Complex.

The Whitby Sports Complex has been in the works since the spring of 2020 when the Town launched the project following feedback from the community. The town had polled residents for their priorities for their community and found 80 per cent of respondents strongly agreed that sports facilities were a key contributor to the quality of life in Whitby.

The project has accelerated recently with the town approving the budget and contractor in July. The complex will sit near the intersection of Baldwin St. and Hwy. 407. Informed by public feedback gathered during open design meetings, the Complex will feature;

• an aquatic centre, featuring a ten-lane pool, second-floor viewing area and a separate lounge pool, set to be the largest pool in Durham Region
• the double gymnasium with a three-lane walking track,
• an arena with two ice pads (85′ and 190′ respectively)
• “flexible” spaces for community events, meetings and cultural and arts activities, and
• a cycling pump track,

There will also be a 13-acre park neighbouring the structure itself featuring;

• a skatepark,
• pickleball, tennis and basketball courts,
• a multi-use sports field
• a playground, and
• a water play area

The complex will be completely carbon neutral. As such it will be the first of its kind in Canada to be certified gold from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. It will also be fully accessible to users of all abilities featuring a ramp to the second floor and unobstructed spectator seating.

Mayor Elizabeth Roy has long been a proponent of the Complex and said, “Today’s groundbreaking is a significant milestone in the construction of the future Whitby Sports Complex and outdoor park, spaces designed by and with our community. We heard loud and clear that people want a flexible and connected design with lots of outdoor, aquatics, and gymnasium space.”

“That’s exactly what this site will deliver, helping to ensure that we can meet the recreational needs of our growing community for years to come. Congratulations to all whose hard work helped us get to today’s groundbreaking and thank you to my colleagues on Council for supporting this important project,” she continued.