City officially opens the Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven

Mayor Jim Watson, Councillor Mark Taylor, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee, Councillor Jan Harder, and Michael Waters, CEO, The Minto Group, officially opened the new Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven this morning with a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling during the grand opening ceremony.

This much-anticipated 160,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility, located at 3500 Cambrian Road is a welcome addition for the residents of Barrhaven. The complex will also be a convenient recreation destination for those living in Ottawa South and the neighbouring rural areas.

“Community and recreation centres like the Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven are the foundation for building healthy and vibrant communities and neighbourhoods,” said Mayor Watson. “This new complex will help immensely in meeting the needs of residents and families in this fast growing community.”

This spectacular $54-million complex is built to LEED Silver standards and features a 25-metre pool with 1 and 3 metre diving boards and a “Tarzan” rope for extra fun, a leisure pool with a lazy river and hydrotherapy section, two NHL-sized arenas with seating, a gymnasium with a second storey walking track, a fitness centre, seven multi-purpose rooms, and a premium CFL/FIFA dimension artificial turf outdoor sports field

In keeping with the City’s Percent for Art Policy, nationally recognized contemporary artists Christian Giroux and Daniel Young were commissioned to create the $300,000 artworks displayed in the main lobby.

“These truly stunning and unique modular sculptures , entitled _ Mr. Kurokawa _ , were inspired by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa,” said Chair Taylor. “The sculptures provide a vibrant and engaging visual for visitors entering the complex, as well as the opportunity to view professional art in a public place.”

Recreation programming at the Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven will begin in January, and the public are invited to visit the complex during regular hours starting today. Preparations are underway to allow arena bookings in December.

The opening of the complex also coincided with RBC Sports Day in Canada, which saw the Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven designated as a True Sport facility.

“We are proud to be the first facility in Canada to have included the True Sport principles as part of our overall planning, construction and programming,” said Councillor Harder. “The True Sport experiencevalues fairness, excellence, inclusion and fun for all.”

Councillor Harder also thanked RBC for their generous support by awarding the Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven with an RBC Sports Day in Canada grant to offset the costs of today’s celebration of sport.

Michael Waters, Chief Executive Officer, representing The Minto Group also took part in today’s celebrations

“We feel a corporate responsibility to give back to the communities that have helped make us so successful,” said Michael Waters, CEO of the Minto Group. “This partnership with the City demonstrates our belief that sports and recreation programs are one of the cornerstones of a healthy, vibrant community.”

Naming rights to the Minto Recreation Complex – Barrhaven, were awarded to The Minto Group through the City’s Community Champions Program .