Loyalist Township council approved a $49.5 million renewal of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, including a new aquatic facility.
A phased construction approach is set to begin in spring 2024.
During their special council meeting for the renewal project, council received a validation report summarizing the overall costs, strategies, and timelines for construction. The first project phase focuses on improvements to the current services at the facility. This will include:
- A new aquatic facility with an 8-lane, 25m pool, and a separate warm-water leisure pool
- Accessibility upgrades including the addition of a lift, accessible change rooms, and barrier-free viewing areas
- New aquatic change rooms, including the creation of a family change room
- A new Indigenous Legacy Space, in collaboration with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund
- Energy conservation measures
The township looks to keep the building operational during construction and minimize downtime for the facility and its programming. The entire project is projected to be completed by January 2026. Mayor Jim Hegadorn noted the importance of the renewal project.
“For more than 40 years, the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre has been a place where generations of Loyalist residents learned to swim, skate, and connect with one another. This renewal will ensure that we can provide access to recreation and support community building for current and future generations,” said Hegadorn.
As part of its funding plan, the township secured up to $16.5 million in funding toward the project through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Building (GICB) program. This program supports green and accessible upgrades to existing community buildings.
The City of Kingston expressed interest, and may also be contributing funding towards the capital costs of the project. A resolution passed Sept. 5 by Kingston city council approved a contribution of up to $6,550,000 to support the aquatic component of the project. This contribution is conditional on City of Kingston residents having equal access to recreation programing at the new facility for a period of 20 years. The terms of the agreement have yet to be determined.
According to their report, staff will also continue to seek additional grant opportunities to support the project. There are multiple applications submitted and currently under review.
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