Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The City of Ottawa is seeking public input to shape the design of two major recreation projects in the city’s rapidly expanding southeast end, including a massive 15,000-sq. m. complex and a combined community centre and library.
Residents have until April 14 to provide feedback on the Riverside South Community Centre and the Southeast Ottawa Recreation Complex, both of which are currently in the functional planning stage.
The projects represent a significant infrastructure investment for the city. Based on recent municipal capital budget estimates and comparable builds like the Minto Recreation Complex, the combined cost for both facilities is expected to exceed $180 million.
“We are seeking input on how people would use the facilities, what programming needs exist in the community, and what types of features would best support residents,” the city said in a statement.
The first project, the Riverside South Community Centre, Library and District Park, is designed as a multi-use hub. It will feature:
- A 1,900-sq. m. community centre with a gymnasium and fitness studio.
- A 1,400-sq. m. Ottawa Public Library branch.
- A district park equipped with sport courts, a skateboard park, and a splash pad.
The second and larger project, the Southeast Ottawa Recreation Complex, is a 15,000-sq. m. facility. It is slated to include an indoor pool, two ice pads, and extensive outdoor amenities including play structures and sport fields.
While the city has not yet released finalized construction schedules, projects of this scale typically follow a multi-year trajectory. Following the current consultation phase, concept renderings will be developed for further public review.
Industry benchmarks suggest that if the projects move to the detailed design and tendering phase in 2027, construction could begin as early as 2028. Given the complexity of indoor aquatic centres and twin-pad arenas, a 24- to 30-month construction window is anticipated, pointing toward a 2030 completion date.
Budgetary pressures remain a factor. The Riverside South facility is estimated in the $50-million range, while the larger Southeast Ottawa Recreation Complex could cost between $130 million and $150 million, depending on the final design and future material costs.
An in-person consultation session focusing on the Riverside South project is scheduled for March 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Rideauview Community Centre, located at 4310 Shoreline Dr.
Residents can also complete an online survey at engage.ottawa.ca or submit comments via email to RC********************@****wa.ca.
The city says the feedback gathered this spring will be used to develop concept renderings, which will be shared with the public at a later date.
