The federal, provincial and municipal governments have committed a combined $5 million in funding to finance renovations to the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex.

The governments made the announcement on February 9.

The project scope of work involves the renovation and optimization of the facility, including the creation of accessible family change rooms and repurposing of lobby space to support additional programming. In addition, the fire alarm system; heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment; electrical panels; pool lighting and filtration systems; and public address system will be improved.

The aim of the project is to increase the safety and reliability of the facility, and improve the quality and accessibility of aquatic programs.

"This investment will help us meet the needs of our growing population,” sad Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell. “The renovations will be age-friendly, will increase accessibility, and support a sustainable and energy efficient facility to better serve our residents now and in the future."

Federal funding for the project is being provided through the Community, Culture and Recreation Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan. Through the plan, the federal government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.

Meanwhile, the Ontario government aims to invest more than $10.2 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program to improve public transit; community, culture and recreation; green, rural and northern community and other priority infrastructure.

"Ontario continues to support municipalities like the Town of Whitby, and other eligible public-sector partners in their work to improve the quality of life in their communities. Our government is proud to be supporting renovation and accessibility improvements to the Whitby Civic Recreation Complex with a $1.6-million investment,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe.

The federal government is investing over $1.9 million towards the project, while the Government of Ontario is providing over $1.6 million, and the Town of Whitby is contributing over $1.3 million.