Whitby is preparing to open the Fieldgate Sports Complex, one of the town’s largest recreation projects, with a public celebration scheduled for Sept. 12. The new facility, located at 2 Gathering Place, west of Baldwin Street South and south of Highway 40, will be presented to residents with a day of free activities, demonstrations and a formal opening ceremony.
Facilities and programming on opening day
The town has organised a full day of family-oriented and drop-in programming so residents can explore the new spaces and try a range of activities. Programming runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bookended by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The schedule provided by the town lists:
- Official opening and ribbon cutting: 9:30–10 a.m.
- Free drop-in activities throughout the facility: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Opportunities to try aquatics, ice sports and court activities, plus arts and crafts and on-site food trucks.
The event will include chances for residents to try badminton, pickleball, basketball, dance and fitness activities. An Aquatics Fun Day in the new pool is planned, as are open-skating sessions and opportunities to try hockey and ringette on the ice pads. Arts-and-crafts stations and food trucks will be available to attendees.
Community input shaped the project
Town officials say the complex was designed with significant community input. In a statement, Whitby’s mayor emphasised the role residents and local sports groups played in shaping the facility.
“The Fieldgate Sports Complex was built by the community, for the community. Thousands of residents shared their ideas, along with local sports and recreation organizations, to help shape a facility that reflects Whitby’s growing needs,”
The mayor invited residents to attend the Sept. 12 opening and to make use of the new spaces. The town has promoted the event as an opportunity for people to see and try the amenities that were developed in response to public feedback.
Special guests and community ties
The opening will feature a visit from Olympic figure-skating medallist Elvis Stojko, who is scheduled to be on-site during the day’s activities. The inclusion of a high-profile skating guest underscores the facility’s emphasis on ice sports alongside aquatics and court-based recreation.
Town materials describe the Fieldgate site as one of Whitby’s most ambitious recreation projects in recent years. While the town has not released further operational details in the announcement beyond the opening-day schedule, the emphasis in promotional material is on broad community access through drop-in programs and family-friendly offerings.
Location and access
The complex sits at 2 Gathering Place, a short distance west of Baldwin Street South and south of Highway 40. The town’s public release encourages residents to come out for the free programming on opening day and to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:30 a.m.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| Official Opening Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting | 9:30–10 a.m. |
| Free family-friendly activities and drop-in programs | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. |
As the Fieldgate Sports Complex opens its doors, Whitby joins other municipalities in the region working to expand recreation capacity to meet growing demand. Residents planning to attend are advised to consult the town’s website or social channels for any updates or details on parking, accessibility and activity locations within the complex.
