Toronto Opens 94,000 sq. ft. Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough
The new Toronto Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre brings 94,000 square feet of pools, fitness spaces, child care and net-zero design to Scarborough.
TORONTO — The City of Toronto has officially opened the Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre, a 94,000-square-foot, multi-use facility in Scarborough designed to expand access to affordable community programming, aquatic facilities, child care and sports spaces for residents across the east end.
Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Neethan Shan (Scarborough–Rouge Park) and City of Toronto staff held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today at the centre, which is located in Joyce Trimmer Park. The new facility aims to be a major hub for health, learning, recreation and community connection.
A Full-Service Community Facility
The Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre features:
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A 25-metre swimming pool
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A leisure pool suitable for all ages
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A full-size gymnasium with room for a City-first practice indoor cricket pitch
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A child care centre with capacity for 62 children
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Dance and fitness studios
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Multipurpose program rooms
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A teaching kitchen
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Community gathering spaces and outdoor connections
The building’s layout and services were shaped through extensive public consultations, ensuring programs reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the surrounding neighbourhoods. More details about the project are available on the City’s facility webpage.
City of Toronto opens 94,000 square foot community recreation centre in Scarborough
News release: https://t.co/iFeXFwsCBn pic.twitter.com/LUspUKT8hs
— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) November 20, 2025
Investing in Recreation Across Toronto
The need for a major recreation hub in northeast Scarborough was identified through Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan, which guides long-term capital planning for recreation infrastructure across the city.
The Rouge Valley centre joins a growing list of new community facilities the City has opened in recent years, including:
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East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre
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Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library
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One Yonge Community Recreation Centre
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Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre
Construction is also underway on several additional sites, such as the Wallace Emerson Community Centre, Western North York Community Recreation Centre and the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre.
Toronto’s First Net-Zero Aquatic Facility
The Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre is the first net-zero aquatic facility in Toronto and the first in Ontario to earn the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Certification. This certification reflects minimal greenhouse gas emissions from both the building materials used and its day-to-day operations.
The all-electric facility includes:
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Rooftop solar panels that generate heat and electricity simultaneously
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Solar-integrated exterior wall panels
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High-efficiency heat pumps that draw outdoor air to help heat in winter and cool in summer
These systems support Toronto’s TransformTO Net Zero Strategy, reducing emissions while lowering long-term utility costs.
Quotes
Mayor Olivia Chow said the new centre reflects Toronto’s commitment to building welcoming, accessible spaces for families across the city:
“The Rouge Valley Recreation Centre has something for everyone. It brings people together, supports families and gives our community a place to connect. From the child care centre to the fitness and recreation spaces, this is a place that serves residents of all ages. I am especially proud that it includes the City’s first indoor cricket pitch, which reflects the sports, cultures and passions that make Scarborough the vibrant community it is. We are delivering a city that is safe, caring and affordable, and this centre is a strong example of that commitment.”
Councillor Neethan Shan highlighted the scale and significance of the project:
“At 94,000 square feet and with pools, a gymnasium, child care centre, dance and fitness studios and more, this facility is an exciting milestone to help bring Scarborough residents together and build an even healthier community.”
Source: City of Toronto — Official News Release, November 20, 2025
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