Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex Expansion
The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex expansion is underway. Find the latest construction updates below.
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Project background
This project supports the vision of the recreation and leisure services master plan approved by council in November 2008, which recognizes a demand for new facility space as the city’s population continues to grow and new trends in recreation activities emerge.
We are building:
- a new civic front on the east side of the building that will include an activity court/gymnasium, additional lobby space, change rooms, inclusive washrooms
- a renovated Hauser Haus to allow for additional fitness programming in two exercise studios and a secondary indoor walking concourse
- a new two-storey building - the Community Pavilion - on the west-side of the property as the new home for the city’s older adult recreation program currently offered at the Adult Recreation Centre (ARC) and Wing 404 RCAFA Rotary Adult Centre. The building will connect to the WMRC facility with an elevated pedestrian bridge
Construction updates
On January 11, 2021, the Province of Ontario issued a provincial declaration of emergency and stay at home order. Municipal projects are exempt from this order, therefore the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex expansion project will continue as planned.
On April 16, 2021, the Province of Ontario issued a second emergency stay at home order. Municipal projects are exempt from this order, therefore this expansion project will continued as planned.
The following construction activity is underway:
Community Pavilion:
- interior finishing almost complete with millwork in progress
- interior mechanical electrical infrastructure is 95% complete
- elevator is installed
- windows and exterior block work are complete
- exterior cladding 90% complete
- exterior sidewalks, islands and other exterior concrete work is not started
- kitchen 95% complete
- office partitions, furniture and equipment installation in progress
- audio visual equipment delivery is delayed due to global chip shortage
Civic Front:
- mechanical and electrical infrastructure 95% complete
- interior finishes nearing completion
- paving completed and exterior concrete work to be completed fall 2021
- most exterior work is completed with some windows and doors to be installed fall 2021
Fitness core:
- has achieved occupancy status
- minor fixes to be completed
- programming began October 12, 2021
Aquatic change rooms:
- painting is completed
- tile work nearing completion
- change room partitions and accessories install will be completed in October and November
Customer service kiosk
- completion delayed until late November or December 2021 because of supply chain issues
Throughout the construction process, we will update you on parking, programming and other changes. Bookmark this page or check Facebook and Twitter for ongoing updates.
We will also post updates through other communication channels, such as e-newsletters.
Impacts to local residents
- with ongoing excavation work, residents can expect a higher number of construction vehicles entering and exiting the site daily
- the west entrance to the facility is temporarily closed for site servicing
- residents may experience dust and loud noise
- construction work will take place Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- work may be required outside of these hours - if so, adherence to the noise bylaw will occur, or a variance notice will be given
Construction timelines
The WMRC expansion project has a 24 month construction schedule. Throughout the 24 months, the community will continue to see construction activities as well as construction equipment in and around the site.
Completion dates:
- occupancy of Community Pavilion: Fall 2021
- total completion of project: Summer 2022