City of Cambridge set to break ground on ‘state-of-the-art’ recreation complex

A new sporting complex in Cambridge near Dundas Street and Branchton Road is set to break ground this fall after years of planning and anticipation.

According to the City of Cambridge Ward 7 Councillor Scott Hamilton, the nearly $108 million sports complex in Cambridge will begin construction on Oct. 24.

“Not only is it oriented towards sports like swimming, running, basketball and volleyball, the idea exchange is going to be attached,” said Hamilton. “We’re going to have a state-of-the-art rec complex that’s actually fused with a library, so you can go there and truly enjoy various forms of recreation.”

Previously called a “multiplex,” plans for the project have been in the works since 2015. The cost back then was approximately $50 million.

Hamilton noted that the $108 million price tag is due to the increasing cost of everything involved in building the complex, and noted the importance of getting shovels in the ground before that cost increases further.

“Our staff are working very hard to make sure that financially, the cost will be spread and allocated throughout future years of growth,” he said.

The tender process is complete and council will give city staff direction to sign the contracts and get the construction started at a council meeting on Sept. 3.

“Estimates are showing that the area where the recreation complex will be built will actually be bigger than Preston in a few years, so to put in a state-of-the-art facility where the city is experiencing its greatest levels of growth is great planning,” said Hamilton. “It’s going be great for the city and great for everyone’s future.”

After the project is started, the 27-month planned construction means a grand opening will land in the Fall of 2026.