Woolwich Memorial Centre

Woolwich Township is a thriving, rural southwestern Ontario ‘community of communities’. This facility consolidates the Township’s recreational amenities into one lively social hub, with a community-driven program that includes a seniors’ centre. Efficient planning and connections between spaces are fundamental to the design. A circulation route that doubles as an indoor running track, with views to the outside, encircles the larger arena’s concourse-level. This second level of the complex also has a fitness centre and mezzanine that overlook the aquatics hall. Sustainability and cost-effectiveness further defined the project’s development. The birch ceiling over the pools is resistant to humidity and corrosion while contributing visual warmth. Skylights and generous glazing bring natural light into all primary spaces, while roof overhangs reduce glare and heat gain. The surplus heat from the arena refrigeration and pool dehumidification systems is shared with other areas of the building through an energy-conserving loop system.

The result of a local fundraising effort initiated in response to the tragic death of local NHL hero Dan Snyder, the Recreation Centre has come to represent the community’s values of resiliency and generosity. Since its opening, it has seen a consistently full programming schedule and high attendance.