Ontario Construction News staff writer
Pickering Council has awarded the design contract for the Seaton Recreation Complex and Library to design and architecture firm, Perkins & Will Canada Inc.
The facility, to be built in Pickering’s growing community of Seaton, will be the largest project in the city’s history and the first multipurpose recreation complex built in Pickering in more than 40 years.
“Selecting the right architect is a pivotal moment in seeing the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library come to fruition, as it brings visionary design and expertise to the forefront, transforming our shared dreams into tangible reality,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “Pickering is experiencing significant population growth, and with that, comes higher demand for growth-related infrastructure like community/recreation facilities, libraries, fire stations, roads and more.
“Together, we will ensure that this new facility not only meets the practical needs of our community, but also enlivens the neighbourhood, becoming a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and communal pride.”
The site is at the re-aligned Whitevale Road (future Alexander Knox) and Sideline 24 (future Burkholder Drive), on a total project site of approximately 25 acres. Amenities are envisioned to include an aquatics centre, with a 25-metre pool and separate warm-water leisure pool, gymnasium, walking track, fitness centre and studios, full-service library, two-pad arena, playground, splash pad, additional outdoor spaces, and more.
Perkins & Will is a global, interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, with an award-winning portfolio and long-term plan to become the world’s leading sustainable design firm.
The final amenities and functional programs for the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library will be guided by the City’s Recreation & Parks – Ten Year Plan, the Pickering Public Library’s Strategic Plan, and most importantly, community consultation.
Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/Seaton for project details, future updates, and opportunities to participate.
Tentative Project Timeline:
- Summer 2024 – Perkins & Will Canada Inc. will create three proposed facility design concepts
- October 2024 – Community engagement on the three proposed facility design concepts
- December 2024 – Report to Council with summary of community feedback on the three proposed facility design concepts; and, for Council’s selection of the preferred design concept
- 2025 – impletion of detailed design of the preferred design concept; and request to Council for pre-approval of general contractor for the construction of the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library
- Spring 2026 – Award and start of construction
- Spring – 2029 -Anticipated opening