Ontario Investing $19.5 Million to Build New Recreation Complex in Cambridge

September 18, 2025

The Ontario government is investing $19.5 million to protect jobs and support the construction of a new multi-purpose recreation complex in the City of Cambridge. This project is part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“Our government is making major investments to support projects that deliver better services for communities while creating more opportunities for children, seniors and families to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The new Cambridge Recreation Complex will be a state-of-the-art facility that will boost the local economy by hosting tournaments, attracting visitors and serving as a community hub for generations to come.”

The government’s investment in the Cambridge Recreation Complex will support the development of a 112,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility. The complex will feature an aquatics centre with a 10-lane, 25-metre swimming pool, a warm water leisure and therapy pool, along with three FIBA-standard gyms, an indoor walking and running track, fitness areas, multi-purpose rooms, a concession area and a public library. Designed for both the public and competitions, the complex will increase access to sport and recreation for residents in a rapidly growing region.

In addition, the province is investing:

• $1 million for the City of Cambridge to renovate and expand the 52-year-old Cambridge Preston Arena, including accessibility upgrades, adding a second ice pad to support tournament play and creating new community spaces for non-ice programming.
• $1 million for the Township of North Dumfries to rehabilitate the Ayr Community Centre to prolong the life of the facility and replace the roof, as well as install new eavestroughs and downspouts.

“I’m pleased to see our government investing in vital recreational infrastructure in both North Dumfries and Cambridge,” said Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge. “These upgrades to the Ayr Community Centre and Cambridge Preston Arena will ensure our communities continue to have safe, modern spaces to gather, stay active, and build strong connections. I am also very excited to follow the construction and completion of the new Cambridge Recreation Complex.”

“We are deeply grateful for this funding from the Ontario government and the Ministry of Sport towards the Preston Memorial Auditorium expansion and the new Recreation Complex, as it represents a meaningful investment in Cambridge and recognizes these spaces as more than just a place to play,” said Jan Liggett, Mayor of Cambridge. “These funds will help to ensure our residents continue to stay active, connected, and build lifelong skills. The City has built outstanding facilities that will provide valuable programs and opportunities that will strengthen the fabric of our city for future generations to come. We look forward to opening the doors of these buildings for the public to enjoy. This investment also reflects a meaningful return on our residents’ tax dollars — delivering lasting value through inclusive, high-quality spaces that serve the entire community.”

CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.

Source