GTA Construction News staff writer
BRAMPTON – A new community centre and park in Brampton will be the first project funded under Ottawa’s newly launched Build Communities Strong Fund, a 10-year, $51-billion infrastructure program aimed at supporting housing, public services and local development.
Ontario is set to receive the largest share of provincial and territorial funding, with up to $6 billion allocated over 10 years, subject to final agreements.
The Embleton Community Centre and Park will receive $64 million in federal funding toward a planned 175,000-square-foot facility in the city’s southwest. The project will include a pool, gymnasium, fitness centre, childcare space and multi-use community areas, along with outdoor recreational amenities.
The Brampton project is one of 13 initial developments to be supported through the program, which is designed to accelerate infrastructure construction across the country. Additional project details are expected in the coming weeks.
Once completed, the Embleton Community Centre will be a planned 175,000 square foot, multi-use, multi-seasonal community centre designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities, as southwest Brampton’s premier hub for recreation programs and lessons, fitness, arts, culture and community gathering. Designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability, the facility is targeting LEED Silver and Net Zero Ready standards, minimizing environmental impact while supporting a future transition to full Net Zero.
Amenities at the Embleton Community Centre and Park will include an eight-lane competitive lap pool, leisure/teaching pool, gymnasium, childcare facility, multipurpose meeting rooms for youth and recreation programs and public gatherings, fitness centre, outdoor, seasonal and recreational spaces.
Project timeline:
- Q4 2025 to Q2 2026: Finalize detailed design
- Q2 2026: Begin early site works
- Q4 2028: Anticipated completion
The national fund is structured around three main streams, including long-term funding agreements with provinces and territories, direct federal delivery of large-scale or regionally significant projects, and a community stream focused on local infrastructure such as roads, bridges and public facilities.
The program will provide $17.2 billion to provinces and territories over 10 years, with funding tied to cost-sharing agreements and requirements to reduce barriers to construction, including development charges linked to housing projects.
Another $6 billion will be allocated to projects delivered directly by the federal government, while $27.8 billion is earmarked for community-level infrastructure.
In addition to recreation and community spaces, eligible projects include health-care facilities, post-secondary infrastructure and housing-enabling systems such as water, transit and transportation networks.
Federal officials say the program is intended to leverage significantly more investment from other levels of government and the private sector, with provinces expected to match federal contributions. The overall funding model is projected to support tens of thousands of jobs annually and contribute to economic growth over the next decade.
Municipal leaders in Brampton say the Embleton project will serve a rapidly growing area of the city, with council having already committed $148 million toward the development.
The Build Communities Strong Fund also includes requirements that a portion of funding be directed toward rural, Northern and Indigenous communities, as well as Indigenous-led projects under the direct delivery stream.
