A potential bright spot. In September 2025, the City launched a two-stage international design competition for the new Ramsden Park Community Recreation Centre. This marked the first City of Toronto design competition held for a community recreation centre since 1987. Stage 1 asked applicants for a RFSQ (Request for Supplier Qualifications). Based on their qualifications, the City invited the top five teams to advance to Stage 2 which will involve an RFP (Request For Proposal).
The five shortlisted teams which are all Canadian led are:
- Adamson Associates Architects with Kengo Kuma and Associates
- KPMB Architects with hcma architecture + design
- Moriyama Teshima Architects with SHAPE Architecture Inc.
- NORR Architects & Engineers Limited with Zaha Hadid Architects
- Teeple Architects with 3XN Architects and SOCA
The teams have been asked to imagine a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming destination while advancing global best practices in design and sustainability. The final designs will be shared on the project website and presented in an exhibition for public feedback. The jury’s selection of the winning design proposal will be informed by feedback from experts, community stakeholders, local residents and the public.
The winning design team is expected to be announced in Fall 2026. Construction is estimated to begin in Spring 2028, and the Centre is to be open to the public in Summer 2032.
The Community Recreation Centre will include a 25-metre, six-lane pool, a leisure pool, a full-size gymnasium with a running track, and multi-purpose community spaces.
Check out the Ramsden Park Community Recreation Centre website for more information.
Photo: Giorgio Galeotti, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons