The Ontario government has announced plans to invest $19.5 million to support the construction of a new multi-purpose recreation complex in the City of Cambridge.

The project is part of the $200-million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a province-wide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“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 Sport Minister Neil Lumsden. “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.”

The new, 112,000-square-foot Cambridge Recreation Complex will feature an aquatics centre with a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a warm water leisure and therapy pool, along with three FIBA-standard gyms, an indoor walking and running track, fitness areas, multi-purpose rooms, a concession area and a public library.

The province is also investing $1 million for the City of Cambridge to renovate and expand the 52-year-old Cambridge Preston Arena, and a further $1 million for the Township of North Dumfries to rehabilitate the Ayr Community Centre.

“We are deeply grateful for this funding from the Ontario government and the Ministry of Sport towards the Preston Memorial Auditorium expansion and the new Recreation Complex, as it represents a meaningful investment in Cambridge and recognizes these spaces as more than just a place to play,” said Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett.

The Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF) is an application-based program that includes funding for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.