More than 2,700 people help shape new design

The Town of Whitby is making a number of important changes to its proposed design for the new Whitby Sports Complex being built on Baldwin Street South – changes are the direct result of feedback collected through one of the Town’s largest community engagements to date.

From March 12 to April 2, more than 2,700 people shared their feedback on three possible design concepts for the complex through an online survey and four virtual engagement sessions. Feedback collected showed strong support for a flexible, active and connected complex design, with a community desire for more outdoor, aquatics and gymnasium space at the facility.

As a result, design revisions presented by Town staff at a Special Council Meeting held last night (May 31) now being considered as part of the final design concept include:

• new space for outdoor recreational opportunities, such as skating;
• 2 additional pool lanes, with a 2^nd floor spectator viewing area, which would make the Whitby Sports Complex home to the largest pool in Durham Region; and
• a double gymnasium.

As a next step, Town staff will be developing a final design concept for Council approval later this year. If approved, construction on the site could begin as early as Spring 2023.

“A big thank you to all who took the time to share your thoughts and suggestions about what you would like to see in our new Sports Complex. Your advice and guidance will help us to better meet the recreational needs of our residents now and in the future.”

Mayor Don Mitchell

Quick Facts

• Whitby’s population is expected to grow by approximately 40% over the next 11 years.
• The new complex will be located on the west side of Baldwin Street South, south of the intersection of Highway 407.
• Amenities that will remain as part of the design of the complex include:
  • A twin-pad arena with 85’ by 190’ ice pads
  • Indoor aquatics centre
  • Leisure pool
  • Indoor walking track
  • Flexible spaces to support community programs, meetings, and arts and cultural activities
  • To align with Council’s strategic vision on climate change, a variety of environmental sustainability initiatives will be explored during the design process for the complex including LEED Gold and Zero Carbon Building Certifications.
  • Through the survey on the design concepts for the new Whitby Sports Complex, 80 per cent of participants agreed that sports complexes are a key contributor to a Town’s quality of life. View the full results of the survey in Attachment 2 of Staff Report CMS 09-21.
  • Nearly 1,000 people provided written comments as part of the community engagement process.
  • Through the Town’s 2020 Community Survey, residents shared that part of what makes Whitby a great place to live are its sports facilities.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Erin Mikaluk
Manager, Communications and Creative Services, Town of Whitby
Phone: 289.314.6913
Email: mikaluke@whitby.ca