Ontario Invests $19.5 Million in New Cambridge Recreation Complex

CAMBRIDGE, ON — The Ontario government is investing $19.5 million to support the construction of a new, state-of-the-art multi-purpose recreation complex in the City of Cambridge. The project is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a major initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy, and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

A State-of-the-Art Hub for the Community

“Our government is making major investments to support projects that deliver better services for communities while creating more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The new Cambridge Recreation Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility that will boost the local economy by hosting tournaments, attracting visitors and serving as a community hub for generations to come.”

Ontario is growing — and we’re making sure communities have the facilities they need to stay active and healthy.

Today, I joined MPP Brian Riddell and Mayor Jan Liggett to announce a $19.5M investment in the new Cambridge Recreation Complex through our government’s Community… pic.twitter.com/JVME4ODqNI

— Neil Lumsden (@NeilLumsdenMPP) September 17, 2025

The new 112,000-square-foot facility will feature:

• A 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool

• A warm water leisure and therapy pool

• Three FIBA-standard gyms

• An indoor walking and running track

• Fitness areas and multi-purpose rooms

• A concession area and public library

Designed for both recreational use and competition, the complex will expand access to sport and recreation for residents in one of Ontario’s fastest-growing regions.

Supporting Local Arenas and Community Centres

In addition to the Cambridge Recreation Complex, the province is also investing:

• $1 million for the Cambridge Preston Arena to add a second ice pad, improve accessibility, and create new community spaces.

• $1 million for the Ayr Community Centre in North Dumfries to rehabilitate the facility, replace its roof, and install new eavestroughs and downspouts.

Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge, said these investments will have a lasting impact: “These upgrades to the Ayr Community Centre and Cambridge Preston Arena will ensure our communities continue to have safe, modern spaces to gather, stay active, and build strong connections.”

Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett praised the funding as a meaningful investment in community life: “These spaces are more than just a place to play — they’re places where residents stay active, connected, and build lifelong skills. This investment delivers lasting value through inclusive, high-quality spaces that serve the entire community.”

Regional Benefits Across Waterloo Region

The funding announcement also drew support from area MPPs Jess Dixon (Kitchener South–Hespeler) and Mike Harris (Kitchener–Conestoga), who emphasized the importance of recreation infrastructure in meeting the needs of a growing region.

Dixon called the investment “game-changing,” while Harris noted that facilities like the new complex “strengthen our region for years to come.”

North Dumfries Mayor Sue Foxton added that provincial support for the Ayr Community Centre “means we can continue to plan for the future to meet the needs of our community.”

Building Ontario’s Future

The CSRIF program is a cornerstone of Ontario’s broader $200 billion infrastructure plan, which includes building and upgrading highways, hospitals, transit, and schools. Through CSRIF, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations can apply for funding to repair, rehabilitate, or construct new sport and recreation facilities.

Each year, Ontario also invests $32 million in community recreation programs, including the After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.

Sport contributes more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the province.

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