$7.7 million grant for new swimming pool creates major splash in Ontario community

The only indoor pool in north Durham Region is being replaced with a modern facility bosting an eight-lane, 25-metre main pool and a 10×15-metre therapy and teach pool and multi-sport space in Uxbridge, thanks in part to a $7.7 million investment from the provincial government.

Once complete, the new facility will replace the ageing Uxpool – a report last year declared it needed $12 million in upgrades to keep it running – and will serve as a year-round hub for sport, wellness and community activities – such as basketball and pickleball – supporting swimming lessons, rehabilitation therapy, competitive training and recreational leagues, while providing a welcoming space for families, seniors and youth to stay active and connected.

“The Uxbridge Swim Club is proud to have initiated the vision for a new myrtha-sprung pool in our community, and we are thrilled to see this project come to life,” the swim club said in a statement. “We are thankful that the township has supported this initiative and worked tirelessly to make it come to life. This investment will ensure that swimmers of all ages have access to a great facility, supporting both community participation and high-performance swimming for generations to come.”

Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton called the future pool “one of the most important projects” in the township’s history. “Swimming is such a critical life skill and the Uxpool ensures our kids can enjoy nature safely,” he said. “This investment means we can continue offering swim programs, camps and certifications for generations to come.”

The project is part of the $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, a provincewide initiative to revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.

“Our government is proud to support communities like Uxbridge by investing in infrastructure that delivers better services for people, while creating more opportunities for people to stay active,” said Ontario Sport Minister Neil Lumsden. “The new aquatic centre will provide safe, accessible and modern recreational spaces that will serve residents for years to come. Investments like this will protect local jobs, strengthen communities and build a more resilient economy.”

The fund is an application-based program supporting municipalities, Indigenous communities and non-profit organizations through two streams: one for repairing and rehabilitating existing sport and recreation facilities and spaces and another for building new or transformative sport and recreation infrastructure.

“This $7.7 million investment represents a significant commitment to Uxbridge, replacing north Durham’s only indoor pool with a modern, state-of-the-art facility,” said Ontario Finance Minister and Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy. “The new aquatic and recreation centre will be a vital hub for health and connection for families, seniors and youth.”

Dr. Jennifer Wilson, who swam at the pool in her youth, now encourages her patients to do the same. “Uxpool has long been a cornerstone of our community and a special part of my life. As a teenager, I swam with the Uxbridge Swim Club and worked after school as a lifeguard. Later, I had the joy of watching my own children learn to swim here,” she said, thanking Bethlenfalvy and the provincial government for the investment, “which will ensure Uxpool continues to help generations learn, stay healthy, and come together for years to come.”