Ontario Invests $7.7 Million in New Aquatic Centre for Uxbridge

Facility will replace North Durham’s only indoor pool and create a modern hub for recreation and wellness

UXBRIDGE — The Ontario government is committing more than $7.7 million toward the construction of a new aquatic centre in Uxbridge, replacing North Durham’s only indoor pool with a modern, state-of-the-art facility.

The funding comes through the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincial program aimed at revitalizing local facilities, creating jobs, and promoting active lifestyles across Ontario.

“Our government is proud to support communities like Uxbridge by investing in infrastructure that delivers better services for people, while creating more opportunities for people to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The new aquatic centre will provide safe, accessible and modern recreational spaces that will serve residents for years to come.”

A Modern Centre for All Ages

The aquatic centre will include:

• An eight-lane, 25-metre pool for swimming and fitness;

• A 10-by-15-metre therapy and teaching pool;

• A multi-sport space designed for basketball, pickleball, and fitness programs.

The facility is designed to serve as a year-round hub for swimming lessons, competitive training, rehabilitation therapy, and recreational leagues. It will also provide a welcoming space for families, seniors, and youth to connect and stay active.

Mayor Dave Barton described the project as one of the most important in the town’s history:

“Swimming is such a critical life skill and the Uxpool ensures our kids can enjoy nature safely. This investment means we can continue offering swim programs, camps and certifications for generations to come.”

Community Voices and Local Impact

The announcement was welcomed by local leaders and residents. Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge, called the funding a “significant commitment” to the community, noting its role in replacing a facility that has long been a cornerstone of North Durham.

The Uxbridge Swim Club, which helped champion the project, said the new centre will ensure “swimmers of all ages have access to a great facility, supporting both community participation and high-performance swimming for generations to come.”

Local physician Dr. Jennifer Wilson, who has a personal connection to Uxpool, emphasized the importance of its continuity:

“Uxpool has long been a cornerstone of our community and a special part of my life… I am deeply grateful for this investment, which will ensure Uxpool continues to help generations learn, stay healthy, and come together for years to come.”

A Provincial Commitment

The CSRIF is part of Ontario’s broader $200 billion infrastructure plan, which includes investments in highways, hospitals, schools, and transit alongside recreation facilities. Each year, the province also invests $32 million in community recreation programs to support active and healthy communities.

Sport and recreation currently contribute more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs provincewide.

With the new aquatic centre, Uxbridge is set to become a regional hub for sport, health, and community engagement in northern Durham.

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