The Ontario government is investing $10 million to support the construction of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre, a multi-purpose facility that officials say will boost local employment, expand recreational opportunities, and position Clarington as a hub for sport tourism.
The funding, announced Monday by the Ministry of Sport, comes through the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). The initiative is designed to revitalize local facilities, stimulate the economy, and promote healthier lifestyles across Ontario.
A catalyst for growth
“Our government is proud to support projects that deliver better services for people, while creating more opportunities for children, families and seniors to stay active,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “The transformation of the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre into a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose facility will protect local jobs and serve as a catalyst for economic growth by attracting major sporting events to the region, helping build a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
The province’s investment will help develop the centre into a major community hub. Planned features include a FIBA-standard double gymnasium, a 25-metre lap pool with a therapeutic tank, a FIFA-size indoor turf field, five multi-purpose rooms, and an 850-square-metre outdoor refrigerated skating trail.
Officials estimate the new amenities will serve more than 50,000 users annually, supporting sports such as basketball, swimming, skating, and soccer, while also offering youth day camps and rehabilitation programs for seniors. With the ability to host regional and national competitions, the facility is expected to bring new business to local hotels, restaurants, and service providers.
Local support
Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster called the project a landmark development for the community.
“This modern multi-sport destination is designed to welcome everyone, from first-timers finding their groove to our homegrown athletes chasing greatness. Picture epic weekend tournaments, kids’ first swim lessons, early morning yoga, and family skates along Durham Region’s first outdoor refrigerated trail, one of the longest in Ontario. With so much more to experience, this is where generations of awesome memories will be made,” Foster said.
“The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre is a shining example of what’s possible when we dream big and plan smart. Thank you to the province for believing in our vision and investing in a healthy, happy, and growing Clarington.”
Local representatives echoed that message. Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham, said the project demonstrates the province’s commitment to transformative community investments.
“Under the leadership of Premier Doug Ford and Minister Lumsden, our government is committed to investing in transformative projects in local communities like Clarington, which will support opportunities for tourism, sport hosting, and elevate our community’s profile,” McCarthy said. “Through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, the new South Bowmanville Recreation Centre will create well-paying local jobs and enhance the local economy by providing Clarington with the facility to welcome local residents as well as provincial, national and international competitors to participate and enjoy the amenities of this new state-of-the-art complex.”
Broader strategy
The CSRIF program provides support to municipalities, Indigenous communities, and non-profit organizations through two streams: repairing and rehabilitating existing facilities, and building new or transformative projects. The South Bowmanville initiative falls into the latter category.
The investment aligns with the province’s broader infrastructure strategy. According to the Ministry, CSRIF is part of Ontario’s $200 billion commitment to building highways, hospitals, schools, transit systems, and community spaces. The program is also tied to annual spending of $32 million on community recreation programs, including Ontario’s After School Program, the Inclusive Grassroots Recreation program, and the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund.
Economic impact
Officials stress that sport is more than a recreational asset. The sector contributes more than $7.5 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and supports tens of thousands of jobs across the province. Projects like the South Bowmanville Recreation Centre are designed to tap into this economic potential by supporting both community users and large-scale events.
By creating a facility capable of drawing athletes, families, and visitors from across Ontario and beyond, the new centre is expected to strengthen Clarington’s position in the growing sport tourism market.
Looking ahead
The South Bowmanville Recreation Centre is one of several projects supported by the CSRIF fund. As construction moves forward, the facility is expected to not only deliver recreational opportunities but also serve as a driver of economic activity for years to come.
With strong provincial backing and local enthusiasm, the project highlights how targeted investments in recreation can help communities thrive both socially and economically.
