Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction of Whitby’s largest recreation project has reached substantial completion, with the Town taking possession of the new Fieldgate Sports Complex as crews and municipal staff move into the final stage ahead of its September opening.
The $154.9-million recreation complex was built by Ledcor Construction Ltd., which was awarded the contract by Whitby Council in 2023. Perkins&Will is the project architect.
It has now moved from major construction to commissioning and operational preparations. Staff will now test and commission building systems, install equipment and furnishings, train employees and complete final readiness activities before the facility opens to the public.
The arenas will be the first portion of the complex to welcome users, opening for the Ontario Lacrosse Festival beginning July 31. Other portions of the facility will remain closed while final work and operational preparations continue.
The official grand opening is scheduled for Sept. 12.
“The Fieldgate Sports Complex is a once-in-a-generation investment in our community’s future and priority action coming out of Whitby’s Community Strategic Plan,” Mayor Elizabeth Roy said. “Today’s handover represents years of planning, collaboration, and community input coming together. We are excited to soon start welcoming residents through the doors of this incredible new facility and see the lasting impact it will have on our community.”
The project, originally conceived as the Whitby Sports Complex, has been years in development. Council approved the expanded design in 2022, increasing the project budget to accommodate a larger recreation program. Perkins&Will was retained for the architectural design and park design.
In July 2023, Council awarded the construction contract to Ledcor for the community centre building and park development. The approved construction award was approximately $125.7 million, including provisional and recommended separate prices, before applicable taxes. The revised overall construction estimate at the time was approximately $154.9 million.
The 160,000-square-foot facility is located on the west side of Baldwin Street South, south of Highway 407.
It includes a twin-pad arena, a 25-metre, 10-lane competition pool, a double gymnasium with a walking track and flexible community and cultural spaces. The surrounding 13-acre park will include pickleball and basketball courts, a pump track, skateboard park, sports field and other outdoor amenities.
The complex is also being delivered with sustainability targets that include LEED Gold and Zero Carbon Building standards. Hundreds of solar panels have been installed as part of the project’s sustainability strategy.
“With the facility handover complete, our focus now turns to preparing the facility for opening,” Chief Administrative Officer Matt Gaskell said. “Over the coming weeks, staff will be testing systems, training employees, moving into the facility, and ensuring residents have a welcoming experience from the moment they walk through the doors.”
The Fieldgate name comes from a separate $1.5-million, 10-year naming-rights agreement between the Town and Fieldgate Land Development. Fieldgate is a sponsor of the facility and was not the project’s construction contractor.
Only the arenas will be open during the Ontario Lacrosse Festival. The aquatics centre, gymnasium, walking track and outdoor recreation amenities will remain closed while final construction, equipment installation, staff training and operational preparations continue.
The project is scheduled to reach its next major milestone on Sept. 12, when Whitby will hold an official grand opening celebration for the completed complex.
