Kitchener to get $10M from province for rec complex at RBJ Schlegel Park

A recreation complex under construction in Kitchener is getting a $10-million boost in funding from the province.

It's part of a $200-million initiative called Ontario's Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.

Previously, the Kitchener recreation complex at RBJ Schlegel Park had already received $8.1 million through Ontario's Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Construction started April 2024, operating on previous grants, federal and provincial funding as well as development charge revenues. 

The money will go primarily toward a multi-purpose quad-gymnasium. So far, work has been done in the field house, aquatic centre and parking lots.

In an announcement Monday, Ontario's Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden said that the funding isn't just about sports.

"It goes beyond the bricks and mortar ... As families face these rising costs due to tariffs, our government is focused on breaking down barriers so that everyone has an opportunity to participate in sports and recreation," he said.

Waterloo and Wilmot will also see some funding, bringing the total amount to $11.8 million for Waterloo region.

Waterloo will be given $775,000 to go toward revitalizing the Albert McCormick Community Centre, and $380,000 will go to replacing equipment for ice rinks at the Wilmot Recreation Complex. 

Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the investment will help build the gymnasium's capacity for hosting basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton and more. 

Vrbanovic said the complex was meant to be Kitchener's "premier recreation destination" and the structure is the direct result of "countless hours of planning and work."

The final beam for the field house, both ceremonial and structural, was signed by key players in the region before being lifted into the sky by the construction crew at the announcement on Monday.

"This really speaks to the power of an all government collaborative commitment to work together to build this great city and region," said Vrbanovic.

Vrbanovic said construction was projected to end by 2026. 

Wilmot and Waterloo funding

Lumsden said Wilmot and Waterloo both applied for provincial funding to revitalize parts of their recreation centres and their bids "scored very high" in the process. 

"For those that didn't, hopefully there's an opportunity for those that didn't get recognition to take advantage of the fund at a later date, maybe in the fall," he said.

Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen said the almost $380,000 going toward ice rink equipment at the Wilmot Recreation Complex is going to benefit people in the community, like their all-girl hockey team the Wolverines. 

"Although it's not a very exciting-looking investment ... It is one that's keeping our community connected," Salonen said. "I don't know if you heard, but Wilmot's a little tight for money. So this funding comes very well-received at a good time."

Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe acknowledged the long history of the Albert McCormick Community Centre and the significance of the funding, which will go toward accessibility features, roof structure, hockey facilities and washrooms. 

"There's more we want to do at this facility," she said. 

Lumsden said the ability to invest in local communities is how Ontario will continue to build its residents up during uncertain economic times by creating healthier habits and giving people better spaces to be active.

"The better we are at that, the better our health system is going to be ... sports resonate in so many different ways," he said.