FAQs
Why is the new Whitby Sports Complex needed?
Whitby is a rapidly growing community currently in transformation. Over the next 11 years, Whitby’s population is expected to grow by more than 40%, making the community one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario.
The need for a new sports facility to support this growth was formally identified in 2006 through the Culture, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Strategic Master Plan (CPROS) The need for such a facility was further identified in 2015 through the Sports Facility Strategy (SFS), after a significant community engagement program.
The new amenities that will be included in the complex were based on feedback received from Whitby’s sports user groups as well as the plans noted above.
In December 2017, the Town acquired a parcel of land on the west side of Baldwin St North close to Hwy 407 to be the future site of the new sports complex.
The vision: to create a multi-purpose gathering space for inclusive sport and community programming - a place for residents of all ages and abilities to connect, play and get active.
Where is the Whitby Sports Complex located?
The new complex will be located on the southwest side of Baldwin Street South and Highway 407 in Brooklin.
What is the expected size of the new complex?
It is anticipated that the building will be approximately 15,200 square metres (or 164,000 square feet) which is 64% larger than Whitby’s McKinney Arena.
How big is the land where the complex is being built?
The WSC property is approximately 10.9 hectares (27 acres), which is about the size of twenty one football fields.
When is the construction anticipated to start?
Construction is scheduled to begin in late-2023 and will take approximately 27 months to complete. The building is currently planned to be open to the public in late-2025.
When will the community be able to use the new facility?
The facility is anticipated to be open to the public in late-2025.
Is the complex going to be environmental friendly?
Yes. In fact, a number of environmental sustainability initiatives incorporated into the facility’s design will make it the first Zero Carbon building and LEED Gold facility in Canada to include a twin pad arena, gymnasium, and aquatics facility.
Will the building be designed to meet current accessibility standards?
Yes, the project design will meet or exceed the requirements of the Ontario with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Town of Whitby’s Accessibility Advisory Committee will be consulted at various stages of the design for review and input.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, will the design of the complex include public health safety features?
The Town continues to monitor provincial and public health updates to ensure that it is doing everything it can to help keep all visitors to its facilities safe. The project team is currently reviewing any potential safety design measures required to address COVID-19.
What age group with the sports complex cater to?
The new sports complex will offer facilities and amenities for all ages and abilities.
Will the new complex create more local jobs?
Yes, in addition to several temporary construction positions needed to build the facility, a number of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and contract staff will be hired to manage the new facility.