$40M redesign earns ‘prestigious’ Ontario award for community centre in Mississauga

A half-century-old Mississauga community centre that reopened to the public last June after being closed for more than two years for major renovations has won a “prestigious” provinicial award.

Fresh off some $40 million in renovations that included a 45,000-sq.-ft. expansion, the Carmen Corbasson Community Centre was named this week a recipient of the Ontario Association of Architects’ 2026 Design Excellence Awards.

The recognition marks “a significant achievement for the City of Mississauga,” city officials said in a news release on Friday. “The prestigious award recognizes projects that demonstrate architectural excellence and make a meaningful contribution to the communities they serve.”

The revamped 54-year-old Carmen Corbasson Community Centre, located on Cawthra Road south of the QEW, “was selected and recognized for its thoughtful design, sustainable features and strong focus on community use,” the city continued. “The project reflects the city’s commitment to delivering high‑quality public spaces that meet the needs of residents.”

The new-look community centre was designed by Toronto-based firm Diamond Schmitt Architects and constructed by Aquicon Construction, the city said, adding it was delivered through a collaborative effort involving teams from various city departments.

Designed as a “pavilion in the forest,” the redesigned Carmen Corbasson Community Centre “strengthens its relationship to its woodland surroundings through a simple rectangular mass timber structure, introducing transparency and framing nature as an active participant in daily recreation,” city officials explained.

Mississauga Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko said upgrades to the Carmen Corbasson Community Centre were needed to address population growth and changing demographics in the area.

The major expansion integrates a pool, fitness centre and aerobics studio with the existing arena and gymnasium complex, the city added.

The Ontario Association of Architects’ annual Design Excellence Awards recognize outstanding architectural projects across the province that demonstrate design quality and a positive impact on communities.

Raj Sheth, Mississauga’s commissioner of community services, said the redesigned community centre “reflects our commitment to high-quality, sustainable design that supports community well-being and creates lasting value for residents.”

Anna Cascioli, the city’s director of facilities and property management, added that “by working closely with our project partners, we were able to create a well-designed space that balances design excellence with functionality, sustainability and community needs.”

Raj Sheth, Mississauga’s commissioner of community services, said the redesigned community centre “… creates lasting value for residents.”

The reimagined Carmen Corbasson Community Centre officially reopened to the public last June, though its amenities were available once again to people a couple of months earlier.

The facility partially reopened in late March 2025 after the major overhaul, which began shortly after the popular recreation facility was shut down in September 2022. Work on the community centre was initially scheduled to be completed in fall 2024, but the project was delayed until spring 2025.

The redeveloped facility features:

• a new fitness and state-of-the-art aquatics centre including a 25-metre six-lane pool and warm water therapy pool
• a climate-controlled indoor walking track
• full gymnasium
• multipurpose rooms
• two indoor ice surfaces
• an active living studio
• various improved exterior connections to the woodlot and nearby Mississauga Seniors’ Centre

Mississauga Ward 1 Coun. Stephen Dasko said earlier the upgrades were needed to address population growth and changing demographics in the area. While the facility underwent an extensive renovation about 23 years ago, more work needed to be done.

He added the community centre “has been a staple in the Ward 1 community for more than 40 years” and that it’s “exciting to see the vision for this beloved facility become a reality … This eagerly-anticipated project will enhance the quality of life for local residents by allowing the opportunity for more programming and improved access and safety, while raising the bar on sustainability and green building standards.”

The Cawthra Road Community Centre, which was built in 1972, was renamed to commemorate the service of former Mississauga city councillor Carmen Corbasson, who died in 2012.

The community centre is one of several across the city that have either undergone or are undergoing major renovations to combat shortcomings brought about by age.

(Cover photo: City of Mississauga)