The Ontario government is investing more than $7.7 million to help build a modern aquatic and recreation centre in Uxbridge, replacing North Durham’s only indoor pool and creating a new hub for health, sport, and community life.
The funding is part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a program designed to revitalize local facilities, spur economic activity, and support healthier living across Ontario.
A Major Boost for Uxbridge
Announced Tuesday, the investment will finance construction of a new aquatic centre that officials say will provide state-of-the-art amenities for residents while creating jobs during and after the build.
“Our government is proud to support communities like Uxbridge by investing in infrastructure that delivers better services for people, while creating more opportunities for people to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The new aquatic centre will provide safe, accessible and modern recreational spaces that will serve residents for years to come. Investments like this will protect local jobs, strengthen communities and build a more resilient economy.”
The new facility will replace the current Uxpool, which has long served the township but is showing its age. Plans include an eight-lane, 25-metre swimming pool designed for both fitness and recreation, along with a 10-by-15-metre therapy and teaching pool to support lessons and rehabilitation programs. In addition, the site will feature a multi-sport gymnasium designed for basketball, pickleball, and fitness activities.
Once complete, the centre is expected to serve as a year-round gathering point for youth, families, seniors, athletes, and recreational users.
Community Leaders Applaud the Investment
Local leaders described the investment as a transformational project for the township.
“Swimming is such a critical life skill and the Uxpool ensures our kids can enjoy nature safely,” said Dave Barton, Mayor of Uxbridge. “This investment means we can continue offering swim programs, camps and certifications for generations to come. Thank you to Minister Lumsden and MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy for making this possible — one of the most important projects in Uxbridge’s history.”
Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge, emphasized the importance of the project, calling it a significant milestone for the region. “This $7.7 million investment represents a significant commitment to Uxbridge, replacing North Durham’s only indoor pool with a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The new aquatic and recreation centre will be a vital hub for health and connection for families, seniors and youth.”
The Uxbridge Swim Club, which originally advocated for a new pool, welcomed the announcement. “The Uxbridge Swim Club is proud to have initiated the vision for a new myrtha-sprung pool in our community, and we are thrilled to see this project come to life,” the organization said in a statement. “We are thankful that the township has supported this initiative, and worked tirelessly to make it come to life. This investment will ensure that swimmers of all ages have access to a great facility, supporting both community participation and high-performance swimming for generations to come.”
For many residents, the project is also deeply personal. “Uxpool has long been a cornerstone of our community and a special part of my life,” said one local resident and healthcare professional. “As a teenager, I swam with the Uxbridge Swim Club and worked after school as a lifeguard. Later, I had the joy of watching my own children learn to swim here. Today, I encourage my patients to stay active with lane swims and AquaFit classes at Uxpool. I am deeply grateful to MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy and the Province of Ontario for this investment, which will ensure Uxpool continues to help generations learn, stay healthy, and come together for years to come.”
Part of a Larger Provincial Strategy
The project is one of many funded through CSRIF, which supports both the rehabilitation of aging sport and recreation facilities and the construction of new infrastructure across the province.
The program is part of Ontario’s wider capital plan, which includes $200 billion in infrastructure spending to build highways, hospitals, transit systems, schools, and other critical projects.
The province also invests $32 million annually in community recreation programs, including the After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund. Sport, according to government data, contributes more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
Building for the Future
Construction of the new aquatic centre in Uxbridge is expected to stimulate local economic activity while addressing long-term community needs. Officials and residents alike describe the project as more than just a pool — a centre that will improve quality of life, provide new opportunities, and strengthen community bonds.
For Uxbridge, the $7.7 million provincial commitment represents both recognition and renewal. With support from the province and local leaders, the township is set to gain a modern facility that blends health, recreation, and community connection under one roof.
