Whitby scores funding for its new, green and inclusive sports complex

The future Whitby Sports Complex will be an accessible, net-zero carbon facility after a federal investment of $25 million from the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings (GICB) program.

“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. 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,” said Ryan Turnbull, MP for Whitby.

The complex will incorporate features to help all visitors navigate and use it with ease. This includes features such as wheelchair ramps, slip resistant floor finishes, widened automated doorways, ramp access in swimming pools, and barrier-free signage. There will also be gender-neutral and universal washrooms and change rooms.

“I’m very pleased that the Town of Whitby is receiving substantial funding through the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program, to support the new Whitby Sports Complex. 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. 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. Thank you to the federal government for investing in sustainable, accessible public spaces where people can socialize, stay active, and make community connections,” said Elizabeth Roy, Mayor, Town of Whitby.

When complete, the indoor portion of the sports complex will have a twin-pad arena, an aquatics centre, double gymnasium, wellness studio, three-lane walking track, meeting rooms, and arts and cultural spaces.

By building the complex to net-zero carbon standards, Whitby is working to unite its present and future needs with its climate and sustainability commitments.

Featured image: (Town of Whitby)