Mayor Olivia Chow, Councillor Neethan Shan (Scarborough-Rouge Park) and City of Toronto staff held a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier today to officially open the new Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre in Scarborough. The 94,000 square foot facility is a hub for health, learning and connection and will help enable equitable access to community recreation facilities and programs for all Torontonians.
Located in Joyce Trimmer Park, the facility has a 25-metre swimming pool and a leisure pool for all ages, full-size gymnasium with enough space for a City-first practice indoor cricket pitch, child care centre with space for 62 children, a teaching kitchen, dance and fitness studios, multipurpose rooms for community programs and more.
The space was designed following extensive public consultation, with its programming reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of the communities it serves. More information is available on the project webpage.
Investing in Toronto communities
The need for a community recreation centre in northeast Scarborough was identified through the City’s Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan. The City is committed to planning, building and delivering community recreation centres that enhance quality of life and that offer free or affordable options for people and families.
Over the past few years, the City has opened the East Bayfront Community Recreation Centre, Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre and Library, One Yonge Community Recreation Centre and Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre, while breaking ground on Wallace Emerson Community Centre, Western North York Community Recreation Centre and Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre.
Taking climate action
The City is committed to reducing local greenhouse gas emissions through its TransformTO Net Zero Strategy. The Rouge Valley Community Recreation Centre is the City’s first net-zero community aquatic facility and the first in Ontario to achieve the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Certification, representing minimal greenhouse gases emitted through building materials and operations.
The building is designed to operate entirely on electricity. Solar panels on the roof make both heat and electricity at the same time, the walls of the building have solar panels built into them and heat pumps use outside air to help heat the building in winter and cool it in summer. These practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utility bills. Quotes:
“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.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“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.”
– Councillor Neethan Shan (Scarborough-Rouge Park)
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