Guelph, Ont., November 13, 2026 – After years of anticipation, the South End Community Centre is ready to welcome the community.
The community is invited to celebrate the official opening ceremony on Friday, November 27, from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by a weekend of free programming, including swimming, skating and opportunities to use the gymnasium. Registration in advance is not required, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
While a few finishing touches are still taking place, the City is pleased to officially welcome the community for this exciting new chapter.
Opening Weekend Details
November 27
- Opening Ceremony from 3 to 4 p.m.
- Open House from 4 to 7:30 p.m.
- Public swims: 4:15-5:30p.m. and 6:00-7:30p.m.
- Public skate: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Drop-in basketball 4:00-7:30 p.m.
November 28 and 29
- Free public skating, swimming and gymnasium programming including children’s activities and games and drop-in sports, including pickleball, volleyball, badminton and basketball
- Open House from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Public swims: 9:30-11:00a.m, 12:00-2:00 p.m., 3:00-4:30 p.m.
- Public skate: 10:00-11:30a.m, 12:30-2:00 p.m., 2:30-4:00 p.m.
The full schedule of programming for opening weekend can be found on guelph.ca/SECC.
Drop-in programs will run throughout December, and full programming and rentals will begin in January. A list of drop-in programs can be found on Recenroll.
The new facility offers expanded opportunities to swim, skate, play, stay active and connect. Featuring twin ice pads, a double gymnasium, a 25-metre eight-lane pool, leisure pool, indoor walking track, meeting rooms and flexible community spaces, the centre has been designed to serve residents of all ages while setting a new standard for sustainable recreation facilities in Guelph.
“The South End Community Centre is the result of years of planning, collaboration and a commitment to meeting the needs of our growing and diverse community,” said Tara Baker, Chief Administrative Officer at the City of Guelph. “We’re excited to welcome residents and visitors into this inclusive and inviting space, where people of all ages and abilities can come together, build connections and create lasting memories for years to come.”
“Seeing the South End Community Centre so close to opening its doors is an incredibly gratifying moment for our city and for me personally as my term as Mayor comes to a close. This state-of-the-art facility has been years in the making, and I am deeply grateful to our City staff, community partners, and residents whose patience and vision made it possible,” said Cam Guthrie, former Mayor of the City of Guelph. “In just a few short weeks, families, athletes, and visitors will finally step inside to swim, skate, play, walk, and connect under one roof. This is a fantastic addition to Guelph’s landscape, and I could not be more proud or excited to leave our community with a recreation hub that will serve generations of Guelphites.”
“Great cities invest intentionally in shared public spaces where neighbours gather, play, and learn,” said Mayor-elect Leanne Caron. “Across my two decades on Council, I’ve seen firsthand how recreation and community infrastructure are vital to our quality of life in Guelph. As I step into the Mayor’s office, I am excited to see the South End Community Centre open its doors. It will be a lasting, inclusive hub designed to serve Guelph for generations.”
Built for Today and the Future
As the first City facility designed to meet the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building Design Standard, the building reduces environmental impacts while providing a comfortable and welcoming experience for patrons.
Key sustainability features include:
- Energy-efficient electric heat pumps
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic system
- Heat recovery systems that capture and reuse energy throughout the facility
- Electric ice zamboni that does not release exhaust emissions for better air quality
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Convenient access to public transit and cycling routes
Compared to a conventional recreation facility, the facility is expected to use more than 60 per cent less energy, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower long-term operating costs.
The South End Community Centre represents a major milestone in the City’s commitment to sustainability and responsible growth.
For opening weekend details, facility information and program updates, visit guelph.ca/SECC.
A Community Investment
The facility was made possible through a funding model that balanced growth, grant opportunities and municipal contributions.
Of the project’s $121 million construction budget, 87 per cent was funded through development charges, 8 per cent through grants, including the Province’s Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, and 5 per cent through tax-supported funding. This approach helped deliver a modern recreation facility while limiting the impact on the City’s taxpayers.
Media Contact
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