On Saturday Loyalist mayor Jim Hegadorn, members of council, and staff celebrated the beginning of construction on the eagerly anticipated renewal of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre in Amherstview.
The W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre has played a significant role in the lives of Loyalist residents since it opened in September 1976. Since that time, many families gathered at the Centre where they learned to skate, swim, read and make social connections.
Construction on the recreation centre will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by January 2026.
The total cost for construction is estimated to be $43.8 million. In December 2022, the Government of Canada announced an investment of over $16.5 million in this project through Infrastructure Canada’s Green and Inclusive Community Buildings program (GICB).
The scope of work involved in this phase of construction includes:
- The construction of a new aquatic facility comprising of an 8-lane, 25 metre pool as well as a separate warm-water leisure pool;
- Undertaking accessibility upgrades throughout the existing facility, including the addition of a lift, accessible change rooms, and barrier-free viewing areas;
- Installing new aquatic change rooms, including the creation of family change rooms; • Incorporating a new Indigenous Legacy Space in the facility, in collaboration with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund;
- Incorporating energy conservation measures throughout the facility to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions;
- Designing the building to be Net-Zero ready
“I am proud to announce the start of the retrofits to this Centre, upgrades that will change the trajectory of this historical infrastructure in Amherstview, thanks to the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program,” said Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands. “We are beginning a new chapter of accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability which will provide more comfort for users, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more healthy and safe environment.”
Hegadorn echoed those sentiments.
“On behalf of council, I want to express our excitement to begin work on the renewal of the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre,” said the mayor. “This modern energy efficient facility will provide a wonderful community space and recreation amenities for people of all ages and abilities to play, learn and connect with one another for generations to come.”