Ottawa — The Ontario government is investing more than $8 million to upgrade and expand the Alexander Community Centre in Ottawa, a project that aims to stimulate local economic growth while improving access to recreational facilities for residents. The investment forms part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), designed to modernize community spaces and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
The funding will help transform the long-standing community hub in Ottawa’s Carlington neighbourhood, including the construction of a new 6,243-square-foot gymnasium — three times larger than the current one. The new facility will accommodate sports such as basketball, pickleball, and volleyball, while the existing gym will be repurposed into a multi-purpose space for cultural, fitness, and recreational activities.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Sport, the redevelopment will double the centre’s overall capacity, enabling it to serve more than 100,000 visitors annually. The upgrades will also include expanded gathering areas, upgraded washrooms, and improved information technology infrastructure, allowing the centre to deliver more after-school programming, seasonal camps, and community events.
“Our government is proud to support municipalities like Ottawa with building the infrastructure needed to keep people of all ages active and healthy,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “This investment in the Alexander Community Centre is about more than just bricks and mortar — it’s about protecting jobs, strengthening communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy for the future.”
Boosting Local Jobs and Community Vitality
The Ontario government emphasized that the project will support local construction and trades jobs during development, with lasting benefits for local businesses once the expanded facility opens. The investment also aligns with the province’s broader infrastructure plan, which includes a historic $200 billion investment in highways, hospitals, transit, schools, and community facilities across Ontario.
“I want to thank Minister Lumsden and the Ontario government for this important investment in our city and in the Alexander Community Centre,” said Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of Ottawa. “This new gym will make a huge difference for the families who live here and for the entire community. It’s about creating more opportunities for people of all ages to stay active, healthy, and connected. I’m excited to see the impact this project will have for years to come.”
Local representatives echoed those sentiments, noting the project’s role in enhancing the quality of life for residents and strengthening community ties.
“Residents in Carleton and in Ottawa deeply appreciate the opportunity for local recreation amenities to support community events and physical activity. The government’s continued investment in Ottawa’s recreation facilities will enrich recreational opportunities for families, children, and all residents of the city for the coming years,” said George Darouze, MPP for Carleton.
A Broader Strategy for Sport and Recreation Growth
The Alexander Community Centre expansion is among several projects funded through CSRIF, an application-based program that supports municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations. The fund operates through two streams: one focused on repairing and rehabilitating existing recreation spaces, and another aimed at building new or transformative infrastructure.
In addition to CSRIF, Ontario invests approximately $32 million annually in community recreation programs, including the Ontario After School Program, Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and Ontario Amateur Sport Fund — all of which are designed to promote physical activity, inclusion, and access to sport across the province.
“Investments like this one in the Alexander Community Centre show how our government is committed to strengthening communities across Ontario. By expanding access to modern, inclusive spaces, we’re giving more families, youth and seniors the opportunity to stay active, connect with one another and build healthier lives,” said Stéphane Sarrazin, MPP for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell. “This investment also protects good local jobs, ensuring stability for workers and families in our region. This is an important step in supporting not only Ottawa’s residents, but the vitality of our region as a whole.”
Local Impact and Community Benefits
For residents of Ottawa’s River Ward, the centre’s expansion has long been a priority. The upgraded gymnasium is expected to accommodate larger classes, events, and recreational programming, reducing waiting lists and opening new opportunities for families and seniors alike.
“I want to thank Minister Lumsden and the Government of Ontario for helping to turn this much-needed expansion of the Alexander Community Centre gymnasium from a hope to a reality,” said Riley Brockington, City Councillor for River Ward. “This expansion will allow residents to stay active in their own community with more recreation and fitness offerings and provide more space for Carlington and Central Park residents to connect at community events and meetings. It benefits all residents in this community — from the young to the young-at-heart.”
Sport and recreation contribute significantly to Ontario’s economy, generating more than $7.5 billion annually and creating tens of thousands of jobs across the province. Provincial officials say that investments like this not only improve community well-being but also help ensure long-term economic resilience.
With construction expected to begin soon, the Alexander Community Centre expansion represents both a tangible infrastructure upgrade and a symbolic investment in community life — one that aims to strengthen connections, foster local pride, and build a healthier, more active Ottawa for the future.
