Overview
In 2014, the Town of Georgina conducted a Recreation Facility Needs Study. Through the research and public consultation of this study, the town approved in principle a Multi-use Recreation Complex (MURC). The MURC will include a six-lane 25-metre pool, therapy pool, double gymnasium, indoor walking track, multi-use meeting/activity rooms, active living space and a Discovery Library branch.
The MURC will be located on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road. The concept plan for the facility was developed with public and stakeholder consultation.
A sustainability strategy was developed with consultants that was appropriate for the project and meet the Town objectives.
The MURC will be accessible to all, meeting all building codes and Facility Accessibility Standards (FADS). All three pools will feature accessible ramps and the second floor of the building can be reached using a fully accessible elevator. Learn more about accessible features and programs for our facilities on our accessibility inclusion page.
Advertorial - June 15, 2023
Advertorial - March 16, 2023
Sponsorship
The MURC is available for multiple naming rights and corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Contact Patti White, Manager of Recreation Services, at pwhite@georgina.ca, to express your interest in the MURC facility today.
Sustainability
For the MURC, a sustainability strategy was developed with consultants that were appropriate for the project and meet the Town's objectives.
LEED Gold certification is being pursued for the MURC. LEED Gold was determined to represent both a high level of performance and an achievable goal within the budget of the project.
The project uses materials with high solar reflectance index (SRI) values to minimize effects on microclimates and wildlife habitats. This includes a light-coloured roof that helps to mitigate the Heat Island Effect. This contributes to a cooler environment and decreases the heat being absorbed by the building in the summer. This is one of the LEED credits that have already been approved for the project.
Optimize Energy Performance is another credit, which includes a high R-value building envelop which was also awarded. The R-Value for our roof is R-40, and there are other aspects of the construction like thermal breaks and other insulation that are contributing to these. This also ties in with six innovation credits with a focus on indoor air quality and better building energy performance with a total annual site energy reduction of 28 per cent and a reduction in annual Green House Gas emissions of 38 per cent from the baseline. The building has been designed to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in indoor potable water use and utilizes the metering of energy sources.
The project utilizes air-side heat recovery to precondition ventilation air (both heating and cooling) from exhaust air, thus reducing energy consumption.
Finally, the project includes five biophilic design strategies to connect occupants with nature through the built environment. The design team focused on these and other credits to achieve the highest possible sustainable goals for this project within its budget and timeline.
Photos and videos
Video overview
Time-lapse camera
Construction is underway. A time-lapse camera has been placed at the site so viewers can watch the progress of construction.
Location map
Public engagement
Town contact
Stefan Hordatt
shordatt@georgina.ca
Timeline
MURC timeline
- Q1 2024 - Expected occupancy of the building
- November 2021 - Groundbreaking ceremony
- June 2021 - Council moves forward with Multi-use Recreation Complex
- November 2019 - Design revealed
- May-June 2019 - Public input sessions
- May 2018 - Site chosen and billboard erected to identify the future site of the MURC
- 2014 - MURC approved
- 2014 - Recreation Facility Needs Study completed
Next steps
- Complete roofing
- Continue with building envelope (including siding and glass)
- Continue with mechanical, electrical and pool mechanical
- Landscape and pavement (summer 2023)
- Interior finishes and fixtures
- Furniture, fixtures and equipment procurement
- Hiring (Careers)
- Planning for commissioning and turn over
Important links
Sponsorship
The MURC is available for multiple naming rights and corporate sponsorship opportunities.
Time-lapse camera
Construction is underway. A time-lapse camera has been placed at the site so viewers can watch the progress of construction.
Documents
Monthly project updates
September 2023 MURC project Council update
August 2023 MURC project Council update
July 2023 MURC project Council update
June 2023 MURC project Council update Multi-use path
May 2023 MURC project Council update
April 2023 MURC project Council update
March 2023 MURC project Council update
February 2023 MURC project Council update
November 2022 MURC project Council update
September 2022 MURC project Council update
August 2022 MURC project Council update
June 2022 MURC project Council update
April 2022 MURC project Council update
March 2022 MURC project Council update
January 2022 MURC project Council update
Concept design
On Nov. 27, 2019, the design for the new MURC was revealed at the Town Council meeting.
Concept design for the MURC
Media Releases
Nov. 10, 2021 - Groundbreaking ceremony for new Multi-use Recreation Complex -
June 23, 2021 - Town moves forward with construction of Multi-use Recreation Complex
Nov. 28, 2019 - Georgina reveals design for new Multi-use Recreation Complex
May 11, 2018 - Billboard marks MURC future site - May 11, 2018
Public input sessions
Multi-use Recreation Complex - May 27 and June 4, 2019
Business case for the MURC
Business case for the Multi-use Recreation Complex - Nov. 16, 2018
Council reports
June 23, 2021 - Council report - Multi-use Recreation Complex construction services (3.13 MB)
June 23, 2021 - Presentation - Multi-use Recreation Complex presentation (5.55 MB)
June 23, 2021 - Council resolutions - Council resolutions (82.19 KB)
Nov. 27, 2019 - Presentation - Multi-use Recreation Complex Council Presentation (32.07 MB)
Nov. 27, 2019 - Council report - Multi-use Recreation Complex schematic design reveal (337.41 KB)
Sept. 25, 2019 - Council report - Multi-use Recreation Complex concept design (480.94 KB)
Sept. 25, 2019 - Presentation - Concept designs (1.38 MB)
May 8, 2019 - Council report - YMCA-GTA partnership options (2.42 MB)
May 1, 2019 - Council report - Award of contract for architect (297.96 KB)
May 1, 2019 - Presentation - Perkins + Will presentation (12.78 MB)
Sept. 12, 2018 - Council report - Award of contract for project management services (183.81 KB)
Aug. 15, 2018 - Council report - Endorsement of steering committee for Civic Centre and MURC projects (300.21 KB)
March 2, 2018 - Agenda/Minutes - Agenda, minutes, presentation, archived broadcast
Sept 20, 2017 - Council report - Expression of interest results and land status update (56.66 KB)
July 19, 2017 - Council report - Land assessment and project update (31.14 KB)
Apr. 26, 2017 - Council report - Land requirements (30.48 KB)
Apr. 26, 2017 - Council report - West Park update (42.03 KB)
Jan. 27, 2017 - Council report - Hemson DC Background Study Report (1.58 MB)
Jan. 10, 2017 - Presentation - MURC update (145.21 KB)
July 5, 2016 - Presentation - MURC report update (394.15 KB)
June 15, 2016 - Council report - MURC update (52.58 KB)
Sept. 9, 2015 - Council report - MURC partnership analysis update (22.39 KB)
May 14, 2014 - Council report - Recreation facility needs study (5.32 MB)
May 14, 2014 - Council report - Facility needs study final report (31.48 KB)
May 14, 2014 - Presentation - Recreation facility needs study (751.54 KB)
To view the Council agendas and meeting minutes, visit the Agendas, meeting minutes and broadcast archives webpage.
Attachments
2019 Project Steering Committee - Updated Project Steering Committee (145.84 KB)
MURC site concept - Four hectare future sports field (101.5 KB)
MURC site concept - Four hectare MURC with Civic Centre (92.95 KB)
MURC site concept - Ten hectare future sports field (101.48 KB)
Frequently asked questions
How much is the MURC going to cost to build?
Council approved a budget of $50.2 million for the Multi-use Recreation Complex on June 23, 2021.
How are we going to pay for the construction of this recreation complex?
To build the MURC (capital cost), the primary source of funding for the project is provided by development charges (DC). As per the Ontario Development Charges Act, both principle and interest paid on any DC-funded projects are also eligible for DC funding. As such, the MURC capital costs, including the debenture costs, will mostly be paid using DC funding. As a result of Bill 23, there will be a need to fund a portion of the capital cost from other sources.
Why was the estimated project budget adjusted from $42 Million as approved in 2019 to $50 Million as approved in 2021?
The 2019 budget accounted for five per cent annual cost escalation in the high end and anticipated construction completion in 2021. The 2021 budget was adjusted to reflect impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that pushed the construction schedule to 2023 and 10 per cent annual cost escalation on the high end.
What about the operating costs for the MURC?
There will be no tax levy increases relating to the MURC operating costs. The anticipated annual net operating costs for the MURC will be approximately $2 million. The entire amount will be funded through assessment growth, which is the new property taxes that will be collected from new development. As a result, there will be no tax levy increases relating to the MURC operating costs.
When will it be built?
Construction of the MURC began in November 2021. It is anticipated to be completed in Q4 of 2023 with a target of opening to the public in Q1 of 2024.
Where will the MURC be located?
The planned location is on the west side of Woodbine Avenue between Glenwoods Avenue and Ravenshoe Road.
What amenities are contained within the MURC?
The MURC will include a six-lane 25-metre pool, a therapy pool, double gymnasium, indoor walking track, multi-use meeting and activity rooms, active living space and a Discovery Library branch.
Will there be a multi-use path at the MURC?
York Region and the Town of Georgina continue their strong partnership to expand the active transportation network along Woodbine Avenue. After months of discussion, this collaboration will bring a new multi-use path to the west side of Woodbine Avenue, from Glenwoods Avenue to Garrett Styles Drive, completing a necessary active transportation connection to the Town’s new Multi-use Recreation Complex. The detailed design is now underway with construction planned in 2024.
Why is it located in Keswick?
Growth projections for Georgina show that by 2031, the Town’s population will grow, with much of that growth occurring in Keswick. It is this growth that is supporting the need for additional facilities. Locating facilities as close as possible to the majority of users will optimize use and is more environmentally friendly by limiting travel distances.
Who decided what facilities would be included in the recreation complex?
In 2014, the Town conducted a Recreation Facility Needs Study. Extensive research was done which evaluated data including our socio-demographic profile, trends and best practices, facility inventory, and a utilization analysis. Public consultation was also a key component of this study with surveys, public information centres and discussions with key stakeholders including sports groups, hall boards, seniors, Council and staff. The public survey showed that 88 per cent of the respondents agreed that “The Town should consider developing a Recreation Centre in the Keswick area with components such as an indoor pool, arena, gymnasium, walking track and or community rooms.” View the complete study here. Throughout 2018 and 2019, the Town will work to develop the concept plan. Public consultation and stakeholder engagement will be an important part of this phase.
Why don’t we just build one facility like a pool?
History has taught us that single purpose or stand-alone facilities cost more to build and operate. That’s why municipalities across Ontario are now building MURC’s. They are the most responsive and cost effective way of meeting community recreational needs.
Isn’t East Gwillimbury building a similar facility just down the road?
The Town of Georgina and East Gwillimbury have been consulting with each other on their respective plans for their new recreation facilities to ensure decisions are not made in isolation. The Town of East Gwillimbury is planning for a Health and Active Living Plaza (HALP) which will be built once their population reaches 40,000 residents.
Why isn’t there an ice pad included in the MURC design?
The 2014 Recreation Facility Needs Study determined that the Town has an adequate supply of ice pads in the community for our planned population. When the Town does reach a size that requires an additional ice pad, the study recommended that the Sutton arena be twinned (add another pad). Twin ice pads operate more efficiently than single pads.
What is the cost of the library?
In 2018, Council directed staff to review, in collaboration with public input, the proposed 10,000-square-foot library within the MURC at an estimated cost of $4 to $4.5 million based on a square footage cost of $400 to $450. Once the MURC architect team is hired for the project, the team and staff will host a visioning session with stakeholders to further refine the program and size requirements for the MURC, including the library. Coming out of that there are likely to be a few options related to the library size and potential shared spaces for consideration by the Town. Only once the design is developed will there be a more accurate idea of what the portion of the entire MURC project budget is directly attributable to the Library.
Why does Georgina need another library branch? Why not expand the Keswick branch?
In 2016, the Georgina Public Library Board commissioned a library services and facilities study to guide the development of the library over the next 10 years. Based on professional standards, the consultants identified a lack of 15,000 square feet of library space to meet the present and growing needs of our community. The Library Board Strategic Plan identified the requirement for a branch in the rapidly growing area of south Keswick. The library board settled on a 10,000-square-foot branch with additional space shared with the Town’s Recreation and Culture Department. The MURC project provides an opportunity to address this shortcoming in service levels.
Most new public libraries are being built as part of a community hub rather than stand-alone buildings. These designs have proved to be more cost effective to build and operate, more convenient for residents, and allow for shared space for a variety of activities. It is not feasible or cost effective to expand the existing Keswick branch and the new library will offer new library services that will complement the services offered in the north Keswick branch. The focus will be on digital literacy and community programming space. The library will also meet the need for more children’s programming space and services, which are in increasing demand.
What services will the new library branch offer?
The new library will offer the following services:
- Children and young adult collection and programming
- Popular adult fiction and DVD collection
- Quiet and group study space for students of seven schools within walking distance to the new location as well as distance-learning students
- Comfortable seating for parents waiting for their children at swimming lessons and other sports
- Programming and performance space for library and community events
- Meeting rooms for community groups
- Digital skills training lab to learn new computer and research skills
- Digital media lab including a green screen for video production and editing together with digital recording capabilities
- MakerSpace with 3D printer and other hands-on technologies
Will the MURC create more jobs?
Yes. The Town is one of Georgina’s largest employers. The MURC will require full-time, part-time, seasonal and contract staff who are committed to serving our residents.
How do I apply to work at the MURC?
The MURC will require full-time, part-time, seasonal and contract staff committed to serving our residents. If you are interested in working at the MURC, watch our Careers page for available jobs.
Any job fairs for the MURC will be posted on our Events Calendar.
I have other questions!
That’s great! If you do we think others will also. Please send your questions to buildinggeorgina@georgina.ca so we can provide you with the answer.
What does the MURC stand for?
The MURC is an acronym for Multi-use Recreation Complex.