FAQ

The project will involve renovating and expanding the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre to improve accessibility and increase community programming while reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations.

The first phase of the Community Hub project represents an improvement to the services which have historically been offered at the facility to meet the needs of a growing Loyalist community. As such this first phase of the Community Hub project has been given the name: W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre Renewal. The scope of work for this phase of the project will involve the following program and performance targets:

• The construction of a new aquatic facility comprising of an 8-lane, 25 metre pool as well as a separate warm-water leisure pool;

• Undertaking accessibility upgrades throughout the existing facility, including the addition of an elevator, accessible change rooms, and barrier-free viewing areas;

• Installing new aquatic change rooms, including the creation of family change rooms;

• Incorporating a new Indigenous Legacy Space in the facility, in collaboration with the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack Fund;

• Incorporating energy conservation measures throughout the facility to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions associated with its operations, achieving, at a minimum:

  • A 35% reduction in natural gas consumption

  • A reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG). Emissions of at least 207 t CO2e based on an average emissions rate of 389 t CO2e for the existing facility

• Designing the building to be Net-Zero ready at a future date, meaning that the amount of energy needed to operate the building in a given year can be produced directly on site, typically through the use of solar panels:

• Keeping the building operational throughout as much of the construction period as possible and minimizing facility and programming downtime.

The target construction completion date for the project is Winter 2025/2026.

Specific details of the project’s timeline can be found in the Schedule and Constructability section (pg. 59 onwards) of the Validation Report.

A breakdown of the project’s funding can be found our Funding web page.

The construction costs of the project amount to o $46.4M+HST. This figure represents the direct costs, overhead, and profit of the project team. during the design and construction phases of the project, as well as a risk register of $3.1M.

Soft costs, such as taxes, permitting, Township supplied FF&E, project management expenses, and staff training also need to be incorporated into the capital cost of the project. These are estimated to amount to $3.09M for a total capital cost of $49.5M.

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is an approach which encourages collaboration between the project owner, the lead designer, and the general contractor. The parties enter into a single multi-party contract and work together to deliver the project goals in a cost-effective and timely manner, while sharing the risks. Involving the contractor during the design phase of the process will provide more accurate cost estimates and work plans and reduce the risk of unforeseen problems during construction.

Renovating and expanding existing facilities such as the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre is complex. This complexity, combined with the need to resume aquatic programming as efficiently as possible, makes this project an ideal candidate for IPD. By working collaboratively with the designer and general contractor, the Township can better manage the risks associated with the project and deliver the project in a cost and time effective manner.

Regular updates and information will be shared on this website, print mail-outs when available, as well as Loyalist Township’s social media channels.

Individuals can also sign up to receive email updates.

Interested in helping us reach our fundraising goal? Community members can connect with our Fundraising Committee to explore opportunities to support ongoing and upcoming initiatives. Community members can help raise funds by donating online or planning their own fundraiser with a group of people.

Community members can also join our email list to receive project updates and information about opportunities for engagement.