Recreation
Projects in Progress
Contact Us
Phone: 905-546-3747
Email: [email protected]
Current Projects
Bennetto Community Centre Renewal & Updates to Auditorium, Gymnasium and Washrooms
Bennetto Community Centre will be closed from Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to Fall 2026, to undergo auditorium renewal work. Improvements will include the addition of interior and exterior ramps to enhance accessibility, audio-visual upgrades to support public meetings and performances, renewal of the gymnasium flooring, enhancements to the existing universal washroom, and modifications to two existing gendered washrooms to support broader non-gendered access.
The facility is anticipated to reopen with phased access to the community rooms and pool available ahead of the completion of the gymnasium and auditorium.
During this closure, residents are encouraged to attend drop-in and registered programs at the following locations:
- Central Memorial Recreation Centre
- Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre
- Kanétskare Recreation Centres
The City of Hamilton thanks residents for their patience as we complete this required work.
Sir Winston Churchill Recreation Centre Pool Filtration System Replacement & Lifecycle Renewal Upgrades and Enhancements
Sir Winston Churchill Recreation Centre will be closed from Tuesday, August 4, 2026, to Fall 2026, to undergo a pool filtration system replacement, accessibility updates to existing universal washroom and necessary lifecycle renewal upgrades and enhancements. The closure will enable all required work to be completed safely at one-time to minimize disruptions in service and programming at the Centre.
The facility is anticipated to reopen in Fall 2026.
During this closure, residents are encouraged to attend drop-in and registered programs at the following locations:
- Central Memorial Recreation Centre
- Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Recreation Centre
The City of Hamilton thanks residents for their patience as we complete this required work.
Jimmy Thompson Pool - Extended Closure
Jimmy Thompson Pool will be closed for an extended period of time. During scheduled maintenance activities, staff uncovered significant deterioration and structural deficiencies within the pool basin requiring comprehensive repair. Further review also identified broader building system concerns, including humidity control elements that must be addressed to ensure the long-term preservation and operation of the facility.
Given the pool’s heritage designation and cultural significance to the community, a detailed feasibility assessment has been initiated to determine the full scope of restoration work, preservation requirements, lifecycle renewal activities, and modernization needs associated with the site. This assessment will guide the development of a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy that respects the historic character of the facility while addressing critical infrastructure deficiencies.
Due to the scale and complexity of the required work, the Jimmy Thompson Memorial Pool will remain closed for an extended period. The project is anticipated to span multiple years, requiring temporary displacement of community programming and user groups until construction and restoration activities are complete.
The City recognizes the important role the facility plays within the community and is committed to ongoing communication throughout the planning and restoration process.
During this closure, residents are encouraged to attend drop-in and registered programs at the following locations:
- Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre
- Central Memorial Recreation Centre
- Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre
The City of Hamilton thanks residents for their patience as we complete this required work
Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena Transformation
Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena, located at 27 Highway #5 West, is set to become the future site of an AHL team’s training and practice facility.
This exciting transformation will include the construction of a two-level, dedicated training area, exclusive to the team, integrating into the existing area exclusive area; all while maintaining the current level of service that the City provides to recreation users, residents and visitors.
What to Expect
- Construction will take place over the coming months, with completion anticipated in Fall 2026
- The arena will remain open and fully operational during construction
- Programs, bookings, and access for recreation users will continue as scheduled
- Some temporary disruptions may occur, including changes to portions of the parking area
The City is working to minimize impacts to residents and arena users throughout construction, while maintaining current service levels. The project will be carefully managed to ensure continued access and a positive experience for all users.
Community Benefits
Through this partnership, the City has secured benefits for residents and user groups, including:
- Community skill development clinics
- Access to select AHL team practices
- Opportunities for tours of team locker rooms and player engagement
This marks an exciting step forward in strengthening Hamilton’s position as a destination for sport, entertainment, and community activity.
Media Release: Harry Howell Twin Pad Arena selected as AHL training facility
Valley Park Community Centre Pool Waterslide Replacement & Lifecycle Renewal Upgrades & Enhancements
Closure Update
Valley Park Community Centre pool is scheduled to re-open on Monday, August 17, 2026 at 11 am.
The facility will offer free Open Swim programs from August 17 to 23, 2026. To view drop-in schedules, visit www.hamilton.ca/dropin
The City of Hamilton is pleased to share that the following work has been completed during the facility closure:
- Replacement of pool waterslide
- Re-grout of leisure pool and repairs to basin and deck tile
- Revitalization of pool deck through a deep clean
- Renewal of pool changerooms including tile work, painting and partitions
- Replacement of moveable wall in pool viewing area
- Renewal of pool deck window
- Upgrade of gymnasium lighting
- Paint refresh of gymnasium
- Replacement of gymnasium flooring
The City of Hamilton is dedicated to providing residents with safe and efficient community recreation centres. The lifecycle renewal upgrades and enhancements scheduled at Valley Park Community Centre from Monday, March 23 to Sunday, April 12, 2026, will result in an updated facility featuring a new waterslide, changeroom updates, gymnasium and multi-purpose room flooring replacement as well as additional maintenance work within the facility that will be completed concurrently.
During the closure, individuals are encouraged to attend drop-in and registered programs at the following locations:
- Hill Park Recreation Centre
- Huntington Park Recreation Centre
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier Recreation Centre
- Stoney Creek Recreation Centre
Starting Tuesday, April 21, 2026, drop-in and registered gym programs will be available at Valley Park Community Centre for the spring session.
The City of Hamilton thanks residents for their patience as we complete this required work
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