Ontario Construction News staff writer
The upcoming Whitby Sports Complex will be a fully accessible, net-zero carbon building made possible by $25 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.
In July, Whitby council approved a contract with Ledcor Construction Limited for the complex and park, with a new estimated cost of $154.9 million, which is $43.4 million above the initial budget.
Council also granted an adjustment fee for architectural design services to Perkins + Will Architecture amounting to $2.7 million.
The complex will feature designs that make it easy for visitors to navigate and use. This includes wheelchair ramps, slip-resistant flooring, widened automated entrances, ramp access in swimming pools, and clear barrier-free signage. There will also be gender-neutral and universal restrooms and changing facilities.
By constructing the complex to meet net-zero carbon standards, Whitby aims to balance its current and future needs while honoring its climate and sustainability goals.
“This is fantastic news for the Town of Whitby and our community. The Whitby Sports Complex will serve our growing community by offering a wide range of athletic, recreational and cultural programs and activities,” said Whitby MP Ryan Turnbull. “I have consistently advocated for this meaningful investment from the federal government and know it will ensure the sports complex will be built to net-zero carbon standards, be barrier-free, and inclusive for the entire community.”
The indoor section of the sports complex will include a twin-pad arena, an aquatics center, double gymnasium, wellness studio, three-lane walking track, meeting rooms, as well as spaces for arts and culture.
“This state-of-the-art facility will meet the immediate and future recreation needs of our rapidly growing community as well as the Town’s environmental and climate commitments,” said Mayor Elizabeth Roy. “It will be one of the first multipurpose recreation facilities in Canada to be certified as a LEED Gold and Zero Carbon Building through the Canada Green Building Council.”
The application period for the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program is now closed.
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