Cambridge Council OKs recreation complex concept
Cambridge City Council has given the green light to a partnership arrangement that should lead to construction of a new recreation complex.
The plan is to create a two-building campus that will house a public library, two elementary schools and a child-care facility. Council voted unanimously to approve a partnership framework for design of the facility alongside Idea Exchange (Cambridge Public Library), Waterloo Region District School Board and Waterloo Catholic District School Board.
The partners are contributing a total of $93.2 million to the project. The recreation complex is valued at $64.7 million, with contributions from the city and the Idea Exchange, while the joint school facility is valued at $25.8 million, with the child-care facility valued at $2.7 million.
The vision for the partnership is to provide a multi-generational community hub for the residents of Cambridge, with one-stop access to education, recreation and cultural amenities.
“This phenomenal partnership allows us to create a true community hub that will meet the current and future needs of our growing city,” said Cambridge Mayor Kathryn McGarry. “The recreation complex is a critical piece of infrastructure for not only today and tomorrow’s generations, but our economy as we look to future sport tourism opportunities.”
The approved design concept will see the two schools share one of the buildings, while the recreation complex and Idea Exchange will share the second. The two facilities will frame a community park.
The facilities will operate independently, but will share outdoor space and amenities. This approach, says the city, allows the partners to proceed with design and construction at their own pace.
"It is very exciting to see this new community hub take shape with all the community partners. It will be a place where lifelong learning, play, and recreation go hand in hand,” said Gary Price, chair of the board of trustees of Idea Exchange. “Our new location will include spaces for reading, studying, making and collaborating while offering innovative programs, vibrant collections, and digital resources for all visitors."
In addition to the library, the recreation complex will include a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and warm-water leisure pool, gymnasiums, running track and multi-purpose rooms. The complex is expected to be completed in 2025.
The campus will be located on a 32.5-acre, city-owned site, north of the intersection of Dundas Street South and Branchton Road.
The city anticipates significant growth in the nearby region, including in the nearby SouthPoint residential subdivision. Once that area is fully developed, more than 25,000 people will live within a 15-minute walk of the site.