KITCHENER — The City of Kitchener has commissioned a large-scale mosaic by Indigenous artist Jackie Traverse for the new aquatics centre at the Kitchener indoor recreation complex, now under construction at RBJ Schlegel Park.
The piece, titled Gidinawendimin — an Anishinaabe word meaning “we are all related” — will cover about 95 square metres and feature more than 200,000 vitreous glass tiles. It depicts four women surrounded by flowing lines of water in shades of blue with black and white accents, reflecting themes of kinship, resilience and connection.
Traverse, a member of Lake St. Martin First Nation, is recognized for her bold visual storytelling and work that uplifts Indigenous identity and matriarchal strength. She said the mosaic draws on traditional teachings about the sacred nature of water and the role of women in protecting it.
“Water, or nibi, is not simply a resource but a sacred, living spirit that sustains and connects all life,” Traverse said. “Anishinaabe women carry the water teachings and are entrusted with the duty to protect, care for, and speak on behalf of the water.”
Mayor Berry Vrbanovic said the artwork will help shape the character of the new facility.
“This facility is about more than sport — it’s about building a sense of belonging,” Vrbanovic said. “Jackie Traverse’s artwork will add depth and meaning to the space, helping everyone who walks through our doors feel seen, connected and part of something bigger.”
Traverse’s design was selected by a jury of community members and unanimously endorsed by the city’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. It is expected to become a central feature of the aquatics centre when the complex opens in 2026.
The recreation complex is being delivered through an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model with Multiplex Canada as general contractor. Unity Design Studio Inc. designed the facility, which incorporates sustainable building strategies including geothermal heating and cooling, solar PV arrays, cross-laminated timber and net-zero aspirations.
Specialized project partners include Aquatic Design & Engineering, MTE Consultants Inc., AECOM Inc., Sprucelab Inc., Pratus Group, Austin Carroll Pool Construction, Guild Electric Limited, Walters Inc., Sutherland-Schultz, Flynn, and Element5.
When complete, the facility will include a FIFA-sized indoor turf field house, quad gymnasium, two indoor pools, an elevated walking track, two cricket practice nets and other year-round recreation amenities.
The general contractor for the project is Multiplex Canada. The construction contract was officially signed on April 3, 2024
The project uses an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, bringing together a team of specialized consultant and contractor partners, including:
- Aquatic Design & Engineering (aquatic consultant)
- MTE Consultants Inc. (structural consultant)
- AECOM Inc. (civil, mechanical, and electrical consultants)
- Sprucelab Inc. (landscape consultant)
- Pratus Group (sustainability consultant)
- Austin Carroll Pool Construction (aquatic contractor)
- Guild Electric Limited (electrical contractor)
- Walters Inc. (structural contractor)
- Sutherland-Schultz (mechanical)
- Flynn (roofing, glazing, waterproofing envelope)
- Element5 (cross-laminated timber supplier)
Architect Unity Design Studio Inc. designed the building, which reflects sustainable building approaches, including net-zero aspirations, geothermal heating and cooling, solar PV arrays, and cross-laminated timber (CLT), guided via LEAN/IPD principles
Learn more about the Kitchener indoor recreation complex at Kitchener.ca/KIRC.
