Gore Mutual and Foundation Commit More Than $5 Million Ahead of Planned Beneva Integration
CAMBRIDGE, Ont. — The Cambridge Recreation Complex will be renamed the Beneva Recreation Complex after Cambridge City Council approved a sponsorship and community investment package worth more than $5.2 million from Gore Mutual and the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation, marking a significant milestone for one of the city’s largest public infrastructure projects.
The investment comes as Gore Mutual prepares for its planned integration with Beneva in 2027. Beneva, Canada’s largest mutual insurer, serves more than 3.8 million members across the country. The new facility is expected to open in early 2027 and is designed to expand recreation, wellness and community services for residents.
Under the agreement, the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation will contribute $4 million toward community-focused projects and programs associated with the recreation complex. Gore Mutual will also provide $1.2 million through a naming rights sponsorship, reflecting the insurer’s upcoming integration with Beneva.
Mayor Jan Liggett welcomed the investment, describing it as a major contribution to the city’s long-term development.
“The Cambridge Recreation Complex is one of the most significant community investments in the city’s history, and we are grateful to the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation and Gore Mutual for their continued commitment to Cambridge,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “This combined investment reflects Gore Mutual’s deep roots in our community. We look forward to challenging the Gore team to a swimming match!”
Community Investment Supports Expanding Recreation Services
The recreation complex is being developed to meet the needs of Cambridge’s growing population by offering a broad range of recreational and community amenities under one roof.
Facility to Include Aquatics, Fitness and Library Services
Once completed, the Beneva Recreation Complex will feature a 10-lane swimming pool, a three-court gymnasium, an indoor walking and running track, multi-purpose programming spaces, and a new Cambridge Public Library branch. The facility is intended to serve residents of all ages while supporting recreation, health and lifelong learning.
City officials say the additional funding strengthens the municipality’s ability to deliver the project while enhancing its long-term community value.
“This commitment comes at a pivotal time for the Recreation Complex,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “It strengthens the City’s ability to deliver a facility that meets the needs of a growing community while creating lasting public benefits for residents of all ages.”
Gore Mutual Reaffirms Longstanding Commitment to Cambridge
Headquartered in Cambridge, Gore Mutual has maintained a presence in the community since 1839 and has supported numerous local initiatives through investments and partnerships over the years.
The latest funding commitment reflects the insurer’s continued focus on community investment as it prepares to integrate with Beneva.
Neil Parkinson, Chair of the Board of Directors of Gore Mutual and Chair of the Board of the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation, said the sponsorship underscores the company’s longstanding relationship with Cambridge and its intention to maintain that connection following the merger.
“Since 1839, Gore Mutual has been rooted in this community, serving and protecting what matters most. As we merge with Beneva, this investment represents our continued commitment to Cambridge, our employees, neighbours and community we have proudly served for over 180 years. We are proud to stand alongside the City of Cambridge in ensuring a space that will continue to serve ‘People First’ for generations to come,” said Neil Parkinson, Chair of the Board of Directors, Gore Mutual and Chair of the Board of the Gore Mutual Insurance Foundation.
The renaming of the recreation complex aligns with Gore Mutual’s planned integration into Beneva in 2027 and reflects the evolving identity of the organization while maintaining its community-focused approach.
Play it Forward Campaign Continues to Seek Community Support
Alongside the sponsorship announcement, the City of Cambridge said it will continue fundraising efforts through its Play it Forward campaign, which supports major capital projects and facility upgrades across the municipality.
The campaign encourages residents, businesses and community organizations to contribute through donations or sponsorships that help expand recreational infrastructure and improve public amenities. City officials say ongoing community participation will play an important role in supporting future investments that benefit residents for years to come.
With construction progressing toward its anticipated opening in early 2027, the future Beneva Recreation Complex is expected to become a central destination for recreation, wellness, learning and community programming, supported by one of the largest private-sector contributions to a municipal recreation project in Cambridge’s history.