Woolwich Memorial Centre
Elmira, Ontario
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Aquatic Centre, Twin-Pad Arena (1,300 Spectator), Indoor Track, Fitness, Multipurpose Rooms, Older Adult Room, Track and Field
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Structural: Blackwell
Mechanical / Electrical: LKM
Civil: MTE
Landscape: PMA -
2010 Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO): Award of Merit
2010 Canadian Interiors: Best of Canada Design Award
2010 Design Exchange (DXA): National Award
2010 Recreation Management: Innovative Architecture & Design Award
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 community-driven programming. 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 complex’s varied massing and materiality scale it to fit within its residential neighbourhood in the town of Elmira.
Its aquatic and fitness spaces overlook a playing field and track that are shared with a high school.
Marked by generous glazing and bright blue accents in ceramic tile and glass, the sculpted, double-height entry opens to the lobby — a social space and circulation spine with views and direct access to the arenas, pools, community rooms, and main stair leading to the level-2 amenities.
With seating for 1,300, the larger of the two arenas is home to the Elmira Sugar Kings Junior B Hockey Club, but is also designed for use as a convention, entertainment, and community event venue.
The subdued interior palette of wood, white masonry, and perforated silver corrugated metal — is enlivened by colour strategically placed at program areas, including vivid blue and orange in the arena and aquatics hall.
