Seaton Recreation Complex and Library

Public consultation is closed. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on the proposed design concepts below. All input received during the community engagement phase will help shape a final design proposal, which will be presented to Council for review and consideration in 2025.

We're bringing a brand new Recreation Complex & Library to Pickering!

Project Updates - follow our news below for the latest

September 29, 2025 – Special Meeting of Council

Council approved Report CAO 14-25 that moved the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library into the detailed design stage of the project.

The approved schematic design includes the following amenities:

Indoor amenities:

• 25 metre, eight lane rectangular pool, plus a separate warm water pool;
• triple gymnasium supporting basketball, pickleball, volleyball, badminton, and other sports;
• arena with two NHL-sized ice pads;
• an indoor/outdoor walking track;
• multi-purpose program rooms and children’s program areas;
• fitness centre with weight-training space and group fitness studios;
• full service library;
• administrative and office spaces; and
• supporting spaces such as program viewing, reception area, lobby, mechanical and storage.

Outdoor amenities:

• four pickleball courts;
• two tennis courts;
• destination playground;
• splash pad;
• community-size skateboard park;
• one basketball court;
• community gardens; and
• approximately 500 public parking spaces, including accessible spaces.

May 26, 2025 - Council Meeting

Council received a report recommending that staff complete additional design work for the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library at a cost not to exceed $250,000.00 funded from the project contingency that results in an alternative design and reduced project cost option not exceeding $200 million, and for the alternative design and reduced project cost option to be returned to Council in September, 2025. Council voted against the recommendation of the report. Read Report CAO 06-25 for details.

April 22, 2025 - Special Meeting of Council

Council received the findings of the public engagement process for the design of the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library for information and considered other staff recommendations outlined in the report. The project is on pause and staff will provide a project update to Council in September 2025. Read Report CAO 05-25 for details.

December 2, 2024 - Seaton Recreation Complex & Library Project Update - RFP2024-7 – Milestone Report #1

Read Report CAO 06-24 for details.

The purpose of this report is to provide a semi-annual project status update on the construction of the Seaton Recreation Complex & Library.

October 2, 2024 - Have your say on the design of Pickering’s new Seaton Recreation Complex & Library

Read News Release

July 2, 2024 - Pickering selects Architect for highly anticipated Seaton Recreation Complex & Library

Read Report OPS 12-24 for details.
Read News Release

Proposed design concepts

Click image to expand:

Pickering's population is expected to grow to over 150,000 by 2036. As such, with high population growth comes higher demand for City growth-related infrastructure, like fire stations, roads, parks, libraries, and community/recreation facilities.

The new Seaton Recreation Complex & Library will help meet both the immediate and future needs of Pickering's growing community, and will be located at the re-aligned Whitevale Road (future Alexander Knox) & Sideline 24 (future Burkholder Drive).

This will be Pickering’s first multipurpose recreation complex built in Pickering since the Pickering Recreation Complex (now the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex) opened in 1983.

Amenities are envisioned to include:

1. Aquatics Centre (with 25-metre, 6-8 lane pool and separate warm water leisure pool)
2. Gymnasium (divisible)
3. Fitness Centre and Studios
4. Full Service Library (with collections, Maker Space, printing centre, small meeting rooms, teen area, children’s area, and work/study spaces)
5. Multi-purpose Program Rooms (various)
6. Arena (2 pads)
7. Walking Track
8. Support Spaces (e.g., lobby, change rooms, office space, storage)
9. Outdoor Spaces (e.g., destination playground, splash pad, sport courts)

The final amenities and functional programs will be guided by the City's Recreation & Parks - Ten Year Plan, the Pickering Public Library's Strategic Plan, and most importantly, community consultation.

Project kick-off! View our video message from Mayor Ashe, CAO, and Project Leads:

Visit Let's Talk Pickering for additional background, links, news, and contacts.