Ontario Investing $11.8 million to Upgrade Recreation Infrastructure in Kitchener and Waterloo

The Ontario government is investing over $11.8 million to protect jobs and support the construction of a new quad-gymnasium at RBJ Schlegel Park, and upgrades to other sports and recreational facilities in Waterloo Region. These projects are part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) – a provincewide initiative to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

"At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. "With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy."

The government’s $10 million investment in the quad-gymnasium in Kitchener will create more court space for sports like pickleball, indoor cricket, basketball and volleyball. Once complete, the upgrades will allow for the hosting of sporting events and tournaments, which will bring even more economic benefits to the region.

In addition, the province is investing:

• $650,000 to upgrade snowmaking equipment and lighting, and purchase a new surface lift at the Chicopee Ski & Summer Resort in Kitchener. The investment will help extend the lifespan of a facility that has been a community hub for the last 90 years.
• $775,000 to revitalize the Albert McCormick Community Centre in Waterloo, including upgraded entrances with sliding doors and automatic openers to improve accessibility, a refreshed lobby, and new cooling systems that will support year-round programming.
• Nearly $380,000 to replace end-of-life refrigeration equipment for the ice rinks at the Wilmot Recreation Complex, boosting energy efficiency and ensuring the rinks can continue to serve the community.

"The CRSIF is supporting communities across Ontario by upgrading vital facilities and building lasting hubs for healthy, active living," said Dorothy McCabe, Mayor, City of Waterloo. "We’re grateful that the province is investing in Waterloo through this program, with meaningful improvements to the Albert McCormick Community Centre. These enhancements will make the space more accessible, welcoming and functional, ensuring AMCC remains a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect, participate and thrive."

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

See the announcement from the province.