After over 25 years of planning, the Town of Whitby will soon open the Fieldgate Sports Complex. The complex will be located on the west side of Baldwin Street South, south of the Highway 407 intersection.
Discussions for the project began in 2000 and were officially launched in spring 2020. The vision for the complex is to create a multi-purpose gathering space for inclusive sports and programming, allowing people of all ages and abilities to connect, play, and get active.
Once open, the facility will feature the largest pool in Durham Region and a multi-purpose gymnasium indoors, and Whitby’s first multi-purpose artificial turf field in an adjacent outdoor park, among other amenities.
Olivier Renaud, head coach of the youth and senior Whitby swimming teams, recently visited the still-under-construction facility and was amazed by its size, scale, and many useful amenities.
“Every time I walked somewhere, I just saw opportunities on how it would make, not only our organization better, but also for the public at large,” said Renaud.
With many of his team members training at locations such as the Toronto Pan Am Centre, Renaud concedes that the facility will “allow us to have better pool times, and also at the same time, more pool times for those groups.”
Catherine Bridgeman, director of facilities for the Town of Whitby, has overseen the project’s development for many years.
She ensured that the complex, including its pool area, changing room, and scheduled programming, among other amenities, promoted independence, comfort, and accessibility for all residents.
“The pool environment has been planned to support residents with a wide range of needs,” said Bridgeman, “including those with mobility challenges, paraplegics, and individuals who rely on service animals.
“The intention is to ensure the aquatics space serves not just competitive swimmers, but all residents, creating an environment where participation feels welcoming, supported, and barrier-free.”
When questioned about the positive impacts of the complex, Renaud and Bridgeman expressed optimism.
“In the end, we want to put more effort and more focus on our performance groups in the future,” said Renaud, “knowing we will have this new pool time and new pool space in North Whitby.”
“I truly believe this new community centre will play an important role in the evolution of our growing community,” said Brightman. “It will be a place where people can come together, connect, and create lasting experiences that makes Whitby such a special place to call home.”
The facility’s roofing and stonework are fully complete, with the rest of its construction aspects, including a twin pad arena, the facility lobby, and the multi-purpose gymnasium, nearing completion. The facility is set to open in late June 2026.