Toronto Opens East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre to Support Waterfront Growth
TORONTO — Toronto’s waterfront welcomed a major addition this weekend with the official opening of the East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to support one of the city’s fastest-growing neighbourhoods.
Mayor Olivia Chow, joined by Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Spadina-Fort York), City staff, and Waterfront Toronto representatives, marked the milestone with a lively community celebration. Performers, food vendors, DJs, face-painters, and interactive workshops filled the day as residents enjoyed basketball, drumming, arts and crafts, and even runway and makeup sessions.
#Toronto, meet the new East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre!
Located 261 Queens Quay East, the new centre is in the base of a two-tower condo and features a gym, running track, multi-purpose rooms, dance studio and more!
More: https://t.co/0pic5lvhcz pic.twitter.com/W2T8Ymuzz7
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) September 20, 2025
A new hub for waterfront residents
The recreation centre, built in partnership with the development industry and housed in the base of the new Aqualuna Condominium, delivers critical community infrastructure to East Bayfront.
The two-floor facility includes:
-
a full-sized gymnasium,
-
a fitness and dance studio,
-
three multi-purpose rooms, and
-
a kitchen for community programs.
Programming will be inclusive and community-focused. Local Indigenous-serving organizations will also be welcomed into the centre’s many spaces, providing opportunities for gathering, ceremony, and celebrating Indigenous cultures. In time, the centre will receive an Indigenous name as part of broader naming initiatives on Toronto’s waterfront.
Building community through investment
At the opening, Mayor Chow emphasized the City’s commitment to expanding recreation opportunities across Toronto.
“The City of Toronto remains committed to advancing recreational opportunities for residents all across our beautiful city. With two floors of amenities, the East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre will be a great way for the community to come together, get active and participate in community programming,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, who represents the ward, underscored the importance of this centre for the growing waterfront district.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the new East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre to our fast-growing waterfront neighbourhood for all to enjoy. With incredible views of the water, opening up to the lakeside promenade, and inclusive and exciting programming, this is the kind of much-needed shared space that will be a hub for gathering, recreation and connection,” said Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik (Ward 10 – Spadina-Fort York).
George Zegarac, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto, added that the project reflects the values guiding waterfront revitalization.
“The opening of the East Bayfront Community and Recreation Centre marks an important milestone in the transformation of Toronto’s waterfront. At its core, this centre is about people — a space where residents can connect, thrive, and feel at home. It reflects Waterfront Toronto’s commitment to livability, design excellence, and sustainability,” said George Zegarac.
Part of a city-wide strategy
The East Bayfront centre is one of several major recreation projects recently completed across Toronto. Other new facilities include the Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library, the One Yonge Community Recreation Centre, and the Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre.
Construction is also underway on the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre, Wallace Emerson Community Recreation Centre, and the Western North York Community Recreation Centre, while planning continues for future projects in Ramsden, Lawrence Heights, and Downsview.
These investments, City officials note, prioritize equity and reflect the evolving needs of Toronto’s diverse and growing communities.
The East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre represents both a milestone in waterfront revitalization and a model for inclusive community development — one that balances recreation, cultural recognition, and sustainability.
Follow GTA Today on social media for more local news and updates. #GTAToday
